Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified once again, with both sides exchanging sharp statements over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. While Washington has announced an extension of the ceasefire, the situation on the ground remains tense, with limited maritime movement and growing uncertainty in the region.
Trump claims Iran wants strait to stay open
US President Donald Trump has claimed that despite its public stance, Iran has a strong economic interest in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Iran suffers losses of nearly USD 500 million (around Rs 46.78 billion) per day if the route remains closed. According to him, Tehran’s statements about shutting the strait are aimed at maintaining its public image, while in reality, it wants normal operations to resume.
Trump further said that intermediaries have reached out to him, indicating that Iran is keen to reopen the route immediately. However, he added that if the strait is reopened without a formal agreement, it could make any future deal with Iran unlikely.
Read More: Big trouble for Balen Shah: Weeks into office, Nepal PM faces protests over…
Shipping traffic remains severely disrupted
Despite these claims, maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly reduced.
According to a Reuters report, only three vessels passed through the strait in the last 24 hours, compared to the usual daily average of around 140 ships. The vessels included the Ean Spir tanker, Lian Star cargo ship and Meda LPG tanker.
The report highlights that US-imposed restrictions and Iran’s countermeasures have disrupted normal shipping routes. As a result, several vessels remain stranded in the Gulf, many of them carrying crude oil and waiting for safe passage.
Thousands of sailors stranded amid rising risks
The situation has left nearly 20,000 sailors and hundreds of ships stuck in the Gulf region. Heightened security concerns have led shipping companies to avoid the route, further worsening the bottleneck.
Read More: Who are the 8 women Donald Trump wants freed from Iranian jails? They are accused of…; US President calls it ‘great start…’
With risks still high, global trade flows through one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes remain under pressure.
Ceasefire extended, but uncertainty continues
Amid the ongoing standoff, the US has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, although the blockade measures remain in place. Iran, on the other hand, has questioned Washington’s approach, calling it a form of strategic pressure.
Read More: US-Iran conflict: Did Pakistan request Donald Trump to extend Iran ceasefire? US President says, ‘Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif…’
Attention is now shifting to a proposed round of talks in Islamabad, where both sides are expected to engage in discussions. However, there is no clarity yet on when the talks will take place or what conditions will be set.
