Washington: The US military announced on Tuesday that it has reinstated its naval blockade of Iranian ports in response to Iran's attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes as the interim ceasefire deal between the two nations unravels, raising fears of a return to all-out war in the region.
According to France24.com, the US initially imposed the blockade in mid-April and subsequently lifted it in mid-June, following the signing of an interim deal aimed at permanently ending the conflict. This agreement included a 60-day timeline to negotiate an accord on Iran's nuclear program. However, talks have stalled amid intensified fighting over the strait, a critical channel for global energy supplies.
President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of the blockade on Monday, initially declaring a plan to impose a 20% fee on ships passing through the strait. However, he reversed this decision hours later, citing requests from Gulf allies. The interim peace agreement was intended to reopen the waterway and provide negotiators with time to finalize a permanent resolution to the conflict. Instead, fighting has escalated, threatening the global economy and prompting warnings to commercial airlines.
The US conducted another round of strikes before reimposing the blockade, targeting Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime capabilities. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, accused the US of attempting to undermine Tehran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated with attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and three tankers traversing the strait.
The International Maritime Organization reported that recent attacks resulted in casualties, with two mariners killed and 14 others wounded on two tankers associated with the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has threatened to retaliate, while Qatar condemned the Iranian attacks, urging dialogue and de-escalation.
Despite Trump's decision to forgo the tolls, the US military's Central Command vowed to continue imposing costs on Iranian forces to deter attacks on civilians and commercial shipping. Iran insists on its right to manage traffic through the strait and potentially charge fees, a position disputed by the US.
Attempts at mediation continue, with regional officials, including Pakistan-led efforts, seeking to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Lebanese and Israeli delegations met in Rome for US-mediated talks, as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah threatens to derail the interim deal.
The price of Brent crude oil briefly surged early Tuesday, reflecting the volatility in the region, but later dipped following Trump's announcement. The situation remains precarious as regional mediators strive to maintain the ceasefire and prevent further escalation.