Trump Has Ordered Preparations For A Long Blockade Of The Strait Of Hormuz
- 29.04.2026, 7:38
Washington seeks to maximize economic pressure on Tehran.
US President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to prepare for a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is seeking to maximize economic pressure on Tehran as the war continues into its third month.
This is reported by The Wall Street Journal.
It is reported that the US leader made the decision during meetings with senior officials. The plan envisages a complete halt of any ships traveling to or from Iranian ports.
Trump decided that this option is less risky than resuming large-scale bombing. At the same time, it would avoid a complete U.S. withdrawal from the conflict, the publication notes.
This strategy means moving the war into a protracted phase. Although direct hostilities may cease, the stability of navigation in the region remains under great question.
The U.S. plan is to block all Iranian oil and deprive Tehran of revenues from its sale. In turn, Iran, too, keeps the strait closed to most other cargoes. As a result, the global energy market is in a state of uncertainty, the material emphasizes.
"State of collapse": Iran asks to lift the siege
On the eve of the US President said that Iran has already asked the US to end the naval blockade. Trump wrote on social network Truth Social that Tehran wants to open the waterway "as soon as possible as they are trying to figure out their leadership situation." The US president also added that, according to the Iranians themselves, the country is in a "state of collapse."
The Iranian side is offering to open the strait in exchange for access to its ports. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the agreement is not bad, but Iran wants in exchange to postpone the issue of nuclear program "for later", which does not suit the States.
Oil at $111 and the split in OPEC
The oil market reacted instantly and the price of Brent is growing for the seventh day in a row. It has now consolidated above the $111 per barrel mark. Traders fear that the blockade may become indefinite.
On the background of the conflict there was another geopolitical "earthquake" - the United Arab Emirates announced its withdrawal from OPEC. This is a powerful blow to the oil cartel and Saudi Arabia's leadership. The UAE has long expressed dissatisfaction with quotas on crude production.
What is the situation on the oil market because of the Strait of Hormuz
Already in May, Ukrainian drivers can expect changes in fuel costs because of the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade will be supplemented by the possible cancellation of "fuel" cashback.
In the meantime, India has found a new oil supplier because of the problems in the strait. And it's not the Russian Federation, but Venezuela.
The Strait blockage has the world in an oil crisis, but it's not the only natural leverage. We told you about five other places whose blockage or problems could destroy the world economy.