Despite a ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz remains paralyzed as Iran and the United States mutually accuse each other of violating the agreement.
Iranian Parliament Declares Hormuz Closure Due to US Violations
Mohammad Ghaber Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated Wednesday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible due to the US “blatantly” violating the ceasefire by blocking Iranian ports. President Masud Pezeshkian added that Washington’s “hypocrisy” prevents an end to the conflict.
Ghalibaf posted on X: “A complete ceasefire makes sense only if it is not violated by a naval blockade and taking the world economy hostage… Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible in the event of such a blatant violation of the ceasefire.”
Shipping Restrictions and Rising Prices
Significant restrictions on shipping in the Middle East have been in place since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran war on February 28th, disrupting oil and gas transport and causing price increases.
Mutual Blockades and Recent Attacks
Iran is almost completely blocking traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US is maintaining its own blockade of Iranian ports. Reports surfaced Wednesday of further attacks by Iranian forces on ships passing through the Strait. The US Navy has also detained several Iranian commercial vessels in recent days.
Trump Extends Ceasefire, Demands Iranian Proposal
Both countries accuse the other of violating the two-week-old ceasefire. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump indefinitely extended the ceasefire, stating it would give Tehran time to present a peace proposal.
Uncertainty Surrounds Future Negotiations
It is unclear whether a second round of peace negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, will take place.
Iran Cites US Violations and Hypocrisy
Pezeshkian wrote on X Wednesday that US ceasefire violations and threats are the main obstacle to genuine negotiations, adding that “the world sees the full hypocrisy of (US) rhetoric and the contradiction between declarations and actions.”
Nuclear Program and US Threats
A potential agreement to end the war would address Iran’s nuclear program. Trump has repeatedly claimed to have reached an agreement with Iran, which Teheran has denied. The US President has also recently reiterated threats of attacks on Iranian bridges and power plants if Tehran does not meet his conditions.