The fragile calm in the Strait of Hormuz has been shattered as Tehran announced a return to a status of "absolute control" over the strategic waterway. A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbia central headquarters launched a scathing attack against Washington, accusing the US of "repeated breach of promises" and "maritime robbery" under the guise of a naval blockade.
While the Islamic Republic had previously agreed to a controlled passage for commercial vessels, the persistence of the Americans in obstructing ships of Iranian origin led Iran’s armed forces to reclaim management of the strait, once again transforming it into a forbidden zone for its adversaries.
Ultimatum from Tehran: An end to freedom of navigation unless blockade is lifted
The message from Iranian officials is clear and uncompromising: as long as the United States does not guarantee the full and unimpeded movement of ships to and from Iran, the situation in Hormuz will remain under "iron discipline." The country's military leadership clarified that Hormuz is no longer an "open field" and that every movement will be scrutinized by Iranian forces. This escalation brings the planet to the brink of a new energy suffocation, as 20% of global oil consumption depends on this narrow passage.
Negotiations on ice: Ultimatum to Washington via Pakistan – "We will not engage in fruitless discussions"
Relations between Tehran and Washington are heading toward a complete diplomatic deadlock, as Iran currently refuses to attend the next round of negotiations with the United States. According to exclusive information from the Tasnim agency, Tehran's stance is a result of the aggressive policy of Donald Trump, who insists on maintaining the naval blockade, as well as the "excessive demands" raised by the American side in recent messages exchanged.
The Iranian leadership conveyed to American officials, through Pakistan acting as a mediator, that it will not participate in a process it characterizes as "erosive and pointless." A fundamental prerequisite for the continuation of dialogue remains the abandonment of blackmail tactics and excessive claims by the US. Iran makes it clear that it does not intend to waste time on talks that are not based on mutual respect, especially while the naval blockade strangles the region's economy. The use of Pakistan as an intermediary shows that communication bridges have not been permanently cut; however, Iran appears determined not to back down under a regime of threats, placing the responsibility for the potential collapse of the diplomatic path squarely on Washington.
Trump’s "trap" and chaos in international markets
Tehran's announcement comes as a response to the naval blockade imposed by Donald Trump, who, despite rumors of a deal, insists on keeping Iran in an economic vice. The American President, characterizing NATO as a "paper tiger" for its reluctance to assist, appears to be seeking a total capitulation of Tehran.
However, Iran's move to impose its "own rules" in Hormuz shows that the conflict is entering a phase of extreme friction. The Kremlin and Brussels are watching in horror as oil prices begin to climb again, threatening the global economy with a total crash.
Middle East on a tightrope: The diplomacy of "bluffing" and Tehran's rage – New Order in the Strait
Despite expectations for the meeting in Islamabad (April 19-20, 2026), the atmosphere has been detonated. Donald Trump claimed that Iran "agreed to everything," a statement Tehran angrily dismissed as a barrage of lies. The geopolitical chessboard between Washington and Tehran now resembles a "minefield," as the climate of suspicion and bluffs torpedoes visibility surrounding the negotiations. While the international community awaited the Islamabad meeting as the final confirmation of agreements, the situation deteriorated abruptly. Tehran, incensed by American rhetoric, proceeded to re-close the Strait of Hormuz, imposing strict navigation rules and prohibiting the passage of enemy warships.
Trump's "war" rhetoric and the nuclear issue
US President Donald Trump, in an attempt to exert maximum pressure, stated that Iran has agreed to "everything," a claim categorically denied by the Iranian leadership. Trump openly threatened that if negotiations fail, the US will resume heavy bombings, leaving open the possibility of not extending the ceasefire that expires on April 21-22. The most controversial point of his rhetoric concerns Iran's enriched uranium. Trump emphasized that the US intends to take it from facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow in a "not friendly way," using even excavators to transport the "nuclear dust" to American soil without any monetary compensation.
The Iranian response and the "New Order" in Hormuz
Tehran's reaction was immediate and harsh. The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, characterized Trump's claims as "7 lies in one hour," emphasizing that Iran is not affected by media warfare. Tehran insists on the "10-point Proposal," which clarifies that Hormuz is under its exclusive sovereignty and that the uranium will remain within the country for domestic use. Simultaneously, a heated encounter at sea was revealed, where Iranian forces "locked" 16 cruise missiles onto American warships attempting to transit the Straits, forcing them into a disorderly retreat.
Economic instability and the risk of collapse
This new escalation had an immediate impact on international markets, with the price of oil jumping from 86 to 92 dollars per barrel as the fear of a total energy blackout returns. Senior Iranian officials warn via CNN that Trump's bluffing tactics could blow the negotiations apart, suggesting that the US uses diplomacy only as a pretext for new aggressive actions.
Iran’s refusal to return to the negotiating table comes at an extremely critical moment. With the clock ticking toward the expiration of the ceasefire and war cries from the White House multiplying, the region is on "hot coals." The next move on the ground may determine the course between peace and generalized war.
www.bankingnews.gr
Readers’ Comments