Washington DC / Muscat / Patna, April 5 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply escalated rhetoric against Iran, demanding it reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences, even as Tehran signaled that access remains restricted only to its “enemies” and diplomatic efforts to restore maritime transit gained momentum.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump used unusually strong language, warning Tehran to “open the Strait” or face “hell,” while reiterating a deadline for compliance. He said Tuesday would mark a decisive escalation, threatening strikes targeting Iran’s energy and civil infrastructure if demands are not met.
Trump also referenced a prior ultimatum, noting that Iran had been given 10 days to either make a deal or reopen the vital shipping lane, with just 48 hours now remaining. He had earlier paused strikes on Iranian energy facilities until April 6, citing ongoing negotiations, which he claimed were progressing positively despite contrary reports.
Meanwhile, Iran maintained that passage through the Strait remains open for non-hostile nations. Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, a representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, said the waterway is restricted only to countries deemed hostile, while others, including India, have continued transit. He blamed the ongoing conflict on US-Israel military actions and said the war would end if attacks on Iran cease.
The current conflict, which began on February 28 following joint US-Israel strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has severely disrupted global energy flows and heightened tensions across West Asia. Iran has since retaliated by targeting US and Israeli assets in the region, impacting key shipping routes and markets.
Amid rising tensions, Oman and Iran have initiated discussions aimed at ensuring the smooth flow of maritime transit through the Strait. Officials from both sides met on April 4 to explore options for maintaining stability and uninterrupted navigation, with proposals under further review.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi indicated that Tehran is finalizing a draft protocol to regulate navigation in the Strait, with plans to develop a joint framework in coordination with Oman.
At the international level, the United Nations Security Council is expected to vote next week on a draft resolution introduced by Bahrain, which seeks to authorize member states to take necessary measures to ensure safe transit through the Strait. The proposal has undergone revisions following objections from Russia and China over language related to the use of force.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy corridor, and its disruption continues to have far-reaching implications for international trade and economic stability.
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