An ultimatum of a few days, but without making it clear what will happen if they do not do what is asked of them, the president gave to America’s allies to present specific proposals and plans for the disposal of warships and equipment to ensure the smooth passage of ships from after the armistice agreement and the cease-fire reached with .
Demand for specific proposals, not blanket commitments
According to the reports in German media, the ultimatum was formulated during the meeting of Donald Trump in the White House, with the general secretary of the Alliance, Mark Rutte, and according to what has become known, the US president emphasized to his interlocutor that “general political commitments and promises” will not be accepted.
The issue becomes even more interesting given the information that Washington is considering plans to “punish” those who avoided helping the US in the past, but also the previous warnings from Trump even for America’s withdrawal from the North Atlantic Alliance.
Trump’s disappointment
From what has been known, Mark Rutte after the meeting with Trump and after stating that the American president is clearly disappointed with his allies, officially informed the European capitals about the new demands and about Trump’s ultimatum.
In this context, it seems that the new post of the US president, on Truth Social, is also included. As Trump wrote: “None of these people, including our own, understand anything unless pressure is put on them — very disappointing for NATO”!
What is happening now in the Straits of Hormuz
These developments come at a time when governments – and now also companies – from all over the world are reacting to Iran’s plans to impose tolls on ships crossing the Straits of Hormuz.
Iran has informed mediators, namely Pakistan, that it will limit the number of ships crossing the world’s most important energy seaway to about a dozen a day (other reports put the number at 15) and impose tolls as part of the truce agreed to by President Trump. According to shipping businessmen who spoke to the Wall Street Journal, Iran charges as much as $2 million for a tanker.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Thursday morning that it was critical not to allow Iran to control the crossing. “This is an international sea lane in international waters, so it cannot be allowed to impose tolls and transit restrictions as it reopens,” he told the BBC.
Warnings of the Guards navy
At the same time, as it became known, the Iranian navy issued new warnings today for merchant ships in the Straits, calling on them to coordinate with the Naval Force of the Revolutionary Guards. “Due to the previous war situation and possible anti-ship mines in the main traffic zone of the Straits of Hormuz, all ships are advised to coordinate with the Islamic Guard Navy and use alternate routes until further notice,” said a post on X shared by Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai.
How many ships have passed in the last 24 hours
The number of ships that Iran aims to allow to pass through the Straits every day is practically confirmed by the Guardian, which claims that in the last 24 hours a total of 11 ships passed through the Straits, including four Iranian, four Greek and one Chinese.
According to data verified by AXSMarine, two eastbound ships – the Omani-owned Lucia and the Iolcas Destiny, owned by a Greek company – were allowed to pass through the Gulf in the early hours of Thursday, despite Iran’s declaration that the Straits were closed due to concerns over the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
Another ship that passed from west to east on Wednesday has not been identified and could be part of a “shadow fleet”.
