On April 23, Iran strengthened control of the Strait of Hormuz after the US announced the temporary cessation of new attacks, in the context of the war situation and negotiations still not making significant progress.
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards arrested 2 ships, including the flag-raised Liberian Epaminondas and the flag-raised Panamanian MSC Francesca, on charges of operating without a license and interfering in the navigation system. These 2 ships were then escorted to the Iranian coast. Another container ship was also shot down in the area but was not damaged and continued its journey.
This move comes after US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite postponement of attacks on Iran to await the results of peace talks. However, the Iranian side did not confirm the extension of the ceasefire and criticized the US's continued maritime blockade as hostile action.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that a comprehensive ceasefire is only meaningful if the blockade is lifted, and affirmed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible when the current conditions are still considered to violate the agreement. He emphasized that the only solution is to recognize Iran's interests.
Meanwhile, the US military said it had forced more than 30 ships to turn around or return to port as part of the blockade operation. US forces also blocked at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters, directing them away from areas near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
The Strait of Hormuz used to transport about 1/5 of global oil and liquefied gas before the conflict broke out. The disruption of this route has put great pressure on the energy market, with Brent oil prices maintaining above $100 per barrel.
Intermediary efforts led by Pakistan have not yielded results as the two sides do not participate in the expected talks. The US demands that Iran abandon high-enriched uranium, while Tehran affirms that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and demands the lifting of sanctions, compensation for damages and recognition of control of the strait.
The deadlock continues to tighten control of the Strait of Hormuz, increasing economic pressure and security risks in the region.
