Trump’s Warning to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz
In Washington, President Trump has indicated that the ongoing ceasefire hinges on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This is significant as over 300 commercial vessels are stuck, waiting to navigate this crucial point in the Persian Gulf.
According to shipbrokers, there are only a few ships currently operating in the strait, which exports roughly a quarter of the world’s offshore oil. On Thursday, the United Arab Emirates noted that the traffic through the strait remains “restricted, conditioned and controlled.”
“We need clarity now. So let’s be clear: The Strait of Hormuz is not open,” stated Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, an Emirati politician and the head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
Following the ceasefire announcement, oil prices fell to $95 per barrel but surged to around $100 when markets reopened on Thursday.
Late on Wednesday, Trump posted on his Truth Social, affirming that U.S. forces will remain in the region until Iran adheres to the agreement.
He emphasized that “the deal was agreed a long time ago,” refuting claims about nuclear arms and maintaining that the strait would be secure and open.
In a conversation with ITV News, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh mentioned that ship approvals depend on Iranian authorities.
A report from Exclusive Shipbrokers indicated that between 300 to 400 vessels have been authorized to pass through the waterway under ” Iranian military coordination,” facilitating about 10 to 15 ships daily since April 8.
The report also mentioned that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is threatening vessels trying to leave Iran with “unauthorized destruction” to ensure safe transits. Additionally, there are claims of tolls being charged, at about $1 per barrel of oil, payable in virtual currency or Chinese yuan.
Large oil tankers can carry up to 2 million barrels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Trump has proposed that both the U.S. and Iran could share in toll revenues, though ship brokers note that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council currently handles these charges. Oman has denied any role in setting these tolls.
As reported, this unauthorized toll could significantly cover the heightened war risk premium. Feedback from April 8 indicated a notable reduction in extra costs for licensed vessels.
Currently, about 820 commercial ships remain stranded in the Gulf, with just five departing on Wednesday, the first day of the ceasefire, according to global ship tracking company Kpler.
Trump further warned, “All U.S. ships, aircraft, and military personnel, equipped with additional munitions, weapons, and everything appropriate and necessary for the lethal prosecution and destruction of an already substantially degraded enemy, will stay in and around Iran until there is full compliance with the real agreement reached.” He also stated that should compliance fail—although he considers it unlikely—any military response would be unprecedented in power.
Khatibzadeh reiterated to ITV News that ships not deemed “hostile” and awaiting approval from Iranian authorities are allowed passage through the strait.
Prior to the conflict, approximately 135 vessels were navigating the strait daily, transporting essentials like crude oil, fertilizer, grain, and medicine.
