Developments in the Strait of Hormuz changed rapidly as opening and blockade signals appeared continuously within a day.
On April 17, US President Donald Trump welcomed the announcement from Iran that the strait was "completely open", while Mr. Abbas Araghchi said that Iran would coordinate maritime activities. This information caused oil prices to fall by about 10% in just a few hours. However, this statement quickly caused controversy when an Iranian semi-official agency criticized the creation of ambiguities about conditions and circulation mechanisms.
At the same time, Mr. Trump affirmed that the US would maintain the blockade of Iranian ports until an agreement is reached. Just 24 hours later, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the closure of the strait, citing continued US blockade. The statement emphasized that any ship approaching the strait could be considered cooperating with the enemy and becoming a target of attack.
The Iranian military said that commercial transport activities will be strictly restricted if the blockade is not lifted. 2 ships were shot about 20 miles off the coast of Oman, with Iranian warships believed to be behind the incident, according to the captain.
A rare statement believed to be from Mr. Mojtaba Khamenei affirmed that the Iranian navy is ready to respond to opponents. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump continued to emphasize that negotiations are progressing but the US will not yield to pressure.
The Iranian National Security Council said it is considering new proposals from the US but has not yet responded. The two sides still have major disagreements over the abandonment and relocation of high-enriched uranium as well as nuclear programs.
The ceasefire is expected to expire within 3 days and the possibility of extension is still unclear. Mr. Trump warned that if it is not extended, the blockade will continue and conflict may recur.
A senior Iranian military official, Mr. Mohammed Naqdi, declared that the country is ready to use new missiles if war breaks out again, and said Iran may stop producing oil but has exercised restraint to avoid causing global disruption.
Signs show that backstage diplomacy is taking place, as many senior US officials appear at the White House.
