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News India Live, Digital Desk: Amidst hopes for peace in the Middle East, clouds of war are once again looming. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed on Saturday that Iran’s control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz has been tightened more than ever. Iran has accused the US of ‘piracy’ and reneging on promises, warning that unless the sanctions on its ships and the blockade of ports are lifted, strict surveillance on this global oil route will continue.
Allegation of ‘piracy’ and response to the blockade
Iran says that America has not fulfilled its promise to lift the ban on Iranian ships. According to the IRGC, the recent blockade of Iranian ports by the US Navy is a violation of international law. “If the blockade continues, keeping the Strait of Hormuz open cannot be guaranteed,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf clarified on Saturday. Iran’s stance is clear—this sea route ‘will either be for everyone, or for no one.’
Espionage network busted: America, Israel and Britain on target
IRGC has made another big claim quoting Fars News Agency. Iran says it has exposed a vast espionage network linked to the US, Israel and Britain operating inside the country. These spy cells were mainly active in East Azerbaijan, Kerman and Mazandaran provinces. It is alleged that these networks were conspiring to spy and spread unrest in the country. After this revelation, security agencies within Iran are on high alert.
10-day temporary ceasefire and the mathematics of ‘Hormuz’
Following the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, on Friday (April 17), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on social media that the Strait of Hormuz has been opened to all commercial vessels for the remaining period of the ’10-day ceasefire’. However, Arakchi added that ships would only be allowed to pass through a ‘coordinated route’ determined by Iran.
Trump’s response: The blockade will continue until the ‘transaction’ is completed
US President Donald Trump reacted to Iran’s move by saying ‘Thank you’ but also made his tough stance clear. Trump wrote on ‘Truth Social’ that Hormuz may be open, but the US naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue in full force until America’s ‘transaction’ (deal) with Iran is 100% completed.
Impact on global market: Huge fall in crude oil prices
After Iran’s announcement of temporary opening of Hormuz, there has been a huge fall of about 9% in the prices of crude oil in the international market. Brent crude futures have fallen to $90.93 per barrel. Investors hope that if this 10-day ceasefire is successful, the ongoing war between the US and Iran could end.