The U.S. is escalating pressure on Iran, preparing to board tankers and seize vessels as it demands the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and concessions on its nuclear program.
Iran Briefly Reopens Strait of Hormuz, Then Reverts to Strict Control
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday, April 17th, the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels, initially as a temporary ceasefire until the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed this information but stated that the American blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place until a final agreement is reached with the country.
In response, Tehran announced on Saturday a “return to the previous state and strict army control” over the waterway, following which several commercial ships were attacked.
U.S. Military Prepares to Board Iranian-Linked Tankers
The U.S. military is preparing to board tankers linked to Iran and seize commercial vessels on international waters in the coming days, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials. The decision to increase economic pressure on Iran aims to compel the regime in Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and make concessions regarding its nuclear program.
Expanding U.S. Operations to Control Iranian Assets
The expanded U.S. operation, as reported by the WSJ, will allow the U.S. to exert control over ships connected to Iran worldwide, including tankers transporting Iranian oil and vessels carrying arms that could support the Iranian regime. The newspaper noted that most of the approximately 1.6 million barrels of oil exported daily from Iran goes to China.
Trump Threatens Further Action Over Uranium Enrichment
Hope for peace between the U.S. and Iran is mixed with uncertainty. Donald Trump threatened that if Tehran does not agree to hand over its enriched uranium, the U.S. will deprive it of its reserves “in a much more unfriendly way.”
“Economic Fury” Operation Launched
On Thursday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine declared that the U.S. will “actively pursue” ships from shadow fleets assisting Iran, even if they are outside the Persian Gulf. He emphasized that these actions will be part of implementing a new phase of pressure on Tehran, which U.S. authorities are calling Operation “Economic Fury.”
New Sanctions Target Iranian Smuggling Network
In connection with this operation, the U.S. announced on Wednesday sanctions against additional entities linked to Iran. The restrictions targeted an oil smuggling network managed by Mohammad Hossein Shamkani, an Iranian transportation magnate and son of the former Secretary-General of Iran’s National Security Council, Ali Shamkani, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack between February and March.
White House Expects Blockade and Pressure to Yield Results
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that Trump expects the naval blockade of Iranian ports, which has resulted in the turning back of 23 ships since Monday, combined with economic pressure, will help secure a peaceful agreement with Tehran.
