It warned that it would respond with “long and painful blows” against US positions if Washington went on the offensive again, while reiterating its claim on and complicating its plans to create an international alliance aimed at opening the sea route.
Two months after the start of the war between the United States and Israel with Iran, this critical sea passage remains closed, cutting off about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas supply. This development has led to a jump in international energy prices and has intensified fears of a slowdown in the global economy.
Deadlock in talks
Efforts to de-escalate are at an impasse. Although a ceasefire has been in effect since April 8, Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US naval blockade of its oil exports, a key source of revenue for Tehran.
US President Donald Trump was to be briefed on new plans for military strikes aimed at forcing Iran into negotiations. The news, first reported by Axios, sent oil prices soaring, with Brent temporarily above $126 a barrel before retreating to near $114.
A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that it is unrealistic to expect quick results from the talks with the US, while at the same time intense air defense activity was recorded in Tehran, with drone interceptions.
The tension in the region is also reflected in decisions such as that of the United Arab Emirates, which banned its citizens from traveling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq.
Severe retaliation
A senior official in the Revolutionary Guards warned, according to Reuters, that even a limited attack by the US would lead to severe retaliation, while Iran’s supreme leader said that.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that if the crisis drags on, there will be serious consequences for global development, with inflation rising and millions of people being driven into poverty.
At the same time, Washington is considering multiple scenarios, from new military operations to the creation of an international naval force to protect navigation in the Straits.
In fact, today is the 60-day deadline given to US President Donald Trump or, in another case, to stop military operations, but it is very likely that the date will pass without changing the course of the conflict.
Despite the severe deterioration of Iran’s economy due to the war and sanctions, analysts estimate that Tehran can withstand a prolonged standoff in the Persian Gulf, keeping pressure on international energy markets.
