The United States is blocking the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's seaports. What the media is writing

US President Donald Trump has announced that he is blocking the Strait of Hormuz and will not allow Iranian vessels to pass through it. The US military clarified that it was about the blockade of Iran's seaports in order to prevent the passage of its oil tankers. The White House's decision threatens to disrupt the two-week truce and increase the shock in the energy markets. How the world's media react to the escalation of the conflict is in the Izvestia digest.

The Washington Post: Trump announces naval blockade of Iran after talks fail

After long overnight negotiations between the United States and Iran that did not lead to an agreement on U.S. terms, President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a naval blockade of Iran, a move that could derail the fragile two-week truce reached just five days ago. The main purpose of the American blockade will be to intercept any ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas — in fact, to intercept any ships paying Iran a toll for passage.

The blockade takes effect on April 13 from 17:00 Moscow time. The US Central Command said the blockade "will be applied impartially to ships of all countries entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas," but "will not impede freedom of navigation for ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian ports and back." Trump said he expected help from other countries in connection with the blockade, which he compared to the US operation to block the flow of oil production vessels from Venezuela earlier this year, saying it would be "very similar to that, but at a higher level."

Associated press: US military announces blocking of Iranian ports

The US military has announced the beginning of a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas, softening Trump's earlier promise to completely block the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. This step was taken after long negotiations between the United States and Iran on a cease-fire ended without an agreement, and this created the prerequisites for a confrontation. Iranian leaders have vowed to resist the blockade.

The blockade is intended to increase pressure on Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil since the start of the war, most of which is likely transported through so-called "shadow" transit routes that circumvent sanctions and Western government controls. Trump also hopes to undermine Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz by demanding the resumption of passage through this waterway, through which 20% of the world's oil passed before the outbreak of hostilities. A blockade by the United States could further undermine global energy markets.

CNN: Why is Trump threatening to block the strait that Iran is already blocking

Technically, the Strait of Hormuz is not closed — Iran is gradually allowing some tankers to pass in exchange for a duty of up to $2 million per vessel. And, most importantly, throughout the war, Iran ensured unhindered access of its oil to and from the region. According to the analytical company Kpler, until March, Iran managed to export an average of 1.85 million barrels of crude oil per day, about 100,000 barrels per day more than in the previous three months.

However, the temporary, one-month lifting of sanctions had a negative visual effect: the license allowed Iran to sell its oil under sanctions to finance a war against the United States and its allies. And Iran made significant profits from these sales, selling oil at a premium of several dollars above the price of Brent crude oil. Dissatisfaction with the sharp rise in gasoline prices forced the Trump administration to end the war, and perhaps the release of hundreds of millions of barrels gave it some time. Since Iran was already selling its oil, the lifting of sanctions opened up oil sales to Western countries, not just China, Iran's largest buyer.

Oil is not like that: the American blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will even affect China

After the unsuccessful meeting between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, the escalation in the Persian Gulf region is intensifying

Axios: oil prices rose amid the promise of a blockade and the failure of negotiations

Oil prices jumped by more than 7%, exceeding $100 per barrel when markets opened on the evening of April 12, and remained high until the next day. This surge shows that traders do not expect the ceasefire agreement reached last week between the United States and Iran to resume large-scale tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and this will offset much of the price drop that followed the pause in hostilities.

Given the continuing threat of an Iranian attack on any vessels that do not pay the duty, the US announcement of the blockade will further deter shipping through the strait, keeping volumes below 10% of pre-war levels and putting constant pressure on oil prices. As part of this strategy, Trump may be counting on China to become more active in negotiations if faced with the suspension of Iranian shipments to its refineries.

Bloomberg: blockade of Iranian ports risks spreading the war to the high seas

Trump's threat to block the Strait of Hormuz after negotiations with Iran failed risks exacerbating the war, which is now in its seventh week, leading to higher oil prices and increasing the likelihood of further economic difficulties around the world. Refineries and traders around the world are now desperately trying to provide themselves with immediately available shipments of crude oil as physical reserves dwindle.

Although the United States is capable of imposing a blockade, this will entail significant costs and risks. American warships will be closer to Iranian drones and missiles, which will lead to a dangerous cycle of escalation if they hit any of them. The Houthis, Iran's allies, may also try to disrupt the flow of oil and gas in the Red Sea. While many countries, especially in Southeast Asia, welcome U.S. efforts to end Iran's fees for using the strait, the widening conflict increases the risk that the Islamic Republic could attempt to attack U.S. embassies, bases, and allies around the world.