Trump decided to refrain from direct military action in Iran but ordered preparations for a blockade of a key oil route.
Donald Trump / © Associated Press
The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has instructed the US Navy to prepare for a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This is how Washington seeks to increase pressure on Tehran amid three months of war.
This is reported in a material by the Wall Street Journal, citing US officials.
According to sources, Trump instructed his aides to prepare for a prolonged blockade. He made this decision during meetings with high-ranking officials. The head of the White House decided to continue to put pressure on Iran’s economy and oil exports by hindering shipping to and from its ports.
It is noted that the American leader believes that other options, including resuming bombings or withdrawing from the conflict, carry greater risks than maintaining the blockade. At the same time, the blockade allows the United States to maintain influence over the course of the war without direct escalation.
The WSJ article notes that this strategy means the war is entering a protracted phase, even if direct combat operations may cease. However, the stability of shipping in the region remains in serious doubt.
The goal of this move by Washington is to block Iran’s oil exports and deprive the country of key revenues. In turn, Iran also restricts passage through the strait for most cargo. This significantly creates additional tension in the global energy market.
War in Iran — latest news
Recently, Iran presented a new proposal to the US. According to Axios, it proposes first to stop the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, and postpone negotiations on nuclear weapons until later. According to the publication’s sources, this approach aims to break the diplomatic stalemate, as there is currently no consensus within the Iranian leadership regarding the nuclear concessions demanded by Washington.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the White House cautiously assessed Iran’s new proposal. The official emphasized that the complete prevention of Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons remains the key condition for any agreements.
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