The Straits Times of Singapore reported late on April 18: "Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved. Within less than 24 hours of the Iranian government's announcement to open the strait, Iran has tightened controls again, with multiple oil tankers attempting to pass through being forced back by gunfire from Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps patrol vessels."
Iran’s renewed closure of the strait is justified by the U.S. “repeatedly breaking promises.” According to the U.S. Central Command, since the U.S. military began imposing a maritime blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports, 23 vessels have turned back as instructed by the U.S. military. By April 16, more than 700 ships were waiting to pass through the Persian Gulf, nearly half of which were oil and gas transport vessels.
The Strait of Hormuz was opened for only 24 hours before being closed again, confirming that the conflict between the U.S. and Iran is unlikely to be resolved peacefully. Iran’s policy reversal within just 24 hours serves not only as a strong response to America’s blockade and counter-blockade but also exposes the harsh reality of complete lack of mutual trust and fragile agreements between the two sides.
With over 700 ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, a surge in oil prices is now inevitable. The dual pressure of U.S. naval blockades and Iran’s retaliatory measures is creating a double squeeze on global supply chains, casting a shadow of inflation over nations worldwide. Even more dangerously, both sides are using civilian vessels as bargaining chips, weaponizing commercial shipping routes—an alarming precedent.
The root cause lies in the U.S.’s maximum pressure strategy versus Iran’s wait-and-see approach, resulting in prolonged conflict, mutual damage, and global costs. The world is paying a heavy price for hegemonic recklessness.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862863219782729/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.