BY COMFORT OGBONNA
The United States military has started a blockade of Iran’s ports, increasing tensions with Tehran and creating uncertainty around the important shipping route in the region. However, hopes that talks could still happen to end the war helped ease pressure on oil markets, with benchmark prices falling below $100 on Tuesday.
After talks between the United States and Iran broke down over the weekend in Islamabad, a U.S. official said communication is still ongoing and efforts are continuing to reach an agreement. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, also confirmed that work is still in progress to resolve the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran had made contact and showed interest in reaching a deal. However, he made it clear that he would not approve any agreement that allows Iran to have nuclear weapons.
Since the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran began on February 28, Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz to other countries, allowing only its own ships to pass freely. Iran stated that other vessels would only be allowed through under its control and after paying a fee. This has had a major global impact, as nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply usually passes through this narrow waterway.
Trump said the United States would block Iranian ships and any vessels that agree to pay those fees. He also warned that any Iranian fast-attack boats approaching the blockade would be destroyed. In response, Iran threatened to attack naval ships in the area and strike ports in nearby Gulf countries.
Shipping activity has already been affected. Data showed that a Chinese-owned oil and chemicals tanker called Rich Starry passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, becoming the first ship to do so since the U.S. blockade began on Monday. The vessel had earlier turned back shortly after approaching the area before later continuing its journey to China.
The blockade has increased concerns about global energy security and the supply of many goods that depend on oil. It has also received little international support. NATO allies such as Britain and France have refused to take part, instead calling for diplomacy and the reopening of the waterway.
Despite the failed talks on Sunday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said there had been progress in discussions with Iran. He explained that the United States clearly communicated where it could be flexible and where it would stand firm. He added that Iran must remove any enriched nuclear material and allow proper checks to confirm it is not developing nuclear weapons.
Vance said Iran showed some willingness to move closer to the U.S. position but not enough to reach an agreement. He did not give further details.
The ceasefire that stopped six weeks of fighting between U.S. and Israeli forces and Iran now appears at risk, with only a short time remaining before it ends.
The U.S. Central Command said the blockade would be applied fairly to ships from all countries entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. However, it added that neutral ships traveling to non-Iranian destinations would still be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran strongly criticized the move, calling it illegal and describing it as piracy. An Iranian military spokesperson warned that if its ports are threatened, no port in the region would be safe. The country’s Revolutionary Guards also said that any foreign military ships entering the area could break the ceasefire.
Trump claimed that Iran’s navy had been mostly destroyed during the war, leaving only a few fast-attack boats. He warned that any of these ships approaching the blockade would face immediate and strong action.
He appeared to compare this approach to previous U.S. operations against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. Those operations, which started in September, reportedly resulted in more than 160 deaths, although the U.S. military has not provided clear evidence that the vessels were carrying drugs.
Facing pressure at home due to the war and rising energy prices, Trump recently paused the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign after warning Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face serious consequences.
In a letter to the United Nations, Iran asked for compensation from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan. Iran claimed these countries allowed their land to be used in support of the U.S. and Israeli military actions.
Meanwhile, conflict continues in other parts of the region. Israel has carried out more attacks in Lebanon, targeting positions linked to Hezbollah. Reports say one Israeli soldier was killed and three others were injured during fighting in southern Lebanon.
The United States and Israel say their actions against Hezbollah are separate from the ceasefire with Iran, but Iran disagrees. As tensions remain high, global markets continue to watch closely for any signs of either escalation or a possible diplomatic breakthrough.
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