The Iranian Revolutionary Guard threatens to strike all vessels near the Strait of Hormuz; Trump condemns Tehran's "coercive behavior"

On Saturday, April 18, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any vessel approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be a legitimate target. Iran had previously announced the re-closure of the Strait, reversing its decision from the previous day to briefly open this strategic waterway, in response to the United States' ongoing blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. President Trump stated that U.S.-Iranian dialogue is "proceeding smoothly," emphasizing that Tehran "cannot extort the United States."

In a statement issued on Saturday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared: "No vessel—regardless of type—shall leave its mooring position in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea; any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be regarded as collaboration with an adversary and will be designated as a target for attack."

Iran's Central Military Command issued a statement via state-run television on Saturday, stating that the United States continues to enforce a maritime blockade on vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports, violating prior commitments. As a result, "the Strait of Hormuz will remain under strict control" until the U.S. restores Iran’s freedom of navigation.

The Supreme National Security Council simultaneously emphasized that "no concessions will be made during current negotiations." Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Khatibzadeh stated that the United States "has no right to impose a blockade on Iran."

Repeated closures and openings of the strait leave ships blocked and under fire

On Friday, April 17, Iran announced that, under a ceasefire framework, a "limited number" of oil tankers and merchant vessels would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. However, this decision was quickly revoked.

Data from shipping analytics firm Kpler shows that at least eight oil and liquefied natural gas tankers passed through the Strait early on April 18 during the brief window of openness. According to Reuters, citing shipping sources, multiple merchant vessels subsequently received radio warnings from Iranian military forces, instructing them not to proceed.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that some vessels were forced to turn back, while two others came under attack.

Iran stated it will maintain control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz until the end of the war and may even impose tolls. The Strait handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments and remains a critical artery for international energy supply.

Trump claims "dialogue going well," emphasizes strong U.S. stance

Speaking at the White House on Saturday, Trump said U.S.-Iranian "dialogue is progressing very well," adding, "We are taking a firm stance, and further updates will come before the end of today."

Trump also accused Iran of attempting to block the Strait of Hormuz once again, stating, "They can't blackmail us," and criticized Tehran for "playing games."

He further claimed that U.S. military actions against Iran have left it "without navy, air force, or leadership," calling this outcome a form of "forced regime change."

On April 17, during a media interview, Trump said both sides were "very close" to reaching an agreement, expecting it could be finalized within "one to two days," and revealed that U.S.-Iran negotiation teams might meet again over the weekend.

Clear nuclear disagreements; talks still without set timeline

Previously, Trump claimed Iran had agreed to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium, but Tehran denied this. Iran stated it is currently studying Washington’s new proposal but has not yet confirmed a date for the next round of negotiations. High-level direct talks between the U.S. and Iran were held in Islamabad on April 11—the first face-to-face meeting between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic Revolution—but yielded no breakthroughs.

In parallel, Pakistan, serving as mediator, continues diplomatic efforts. Its military leaders and Prime Minister have recently visited Iran, as well as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that Egypt is working alongside Pakistan to push for a "final agreement," hoping for progress within the coming days.

Iran partially resumes airspace operations

Amid escalating tensions, Iran announced the partial reopening of its airspace, restoring operations at multiple airports including Tehran’s two major international airports. This follows the closure of Iranian airspace since February 28, after Israel and the United States launched military strikes on Iran.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862850214572035/

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