Ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz near Iran, off the coast of Musandam, Oman, on Monday. Image: Reuters
(The Post News)-Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, tightening its control over the important waterway after U.S. President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire “until their leaders and representatives can agree on one plan”.
Ships Seized as Tensions Rise
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it took the two vessels for alleged maritime violations and moved them to Iranian shores, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. These were the first ships seized since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. A British maritime security agency also reported that three ships had come under fire.
Trump Extends Ceasefire Amid Iran Standoff
The seizures came after Trump extended a two-week ceasefire to give Iran more time to respond to U.S. peace proposals. However, the U.S. Navy continues to block ships going to Iranian ports, while Tehran keeps warning ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, where about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas moves.
Trump has warned that he could “blow up the rest of their country, including their leaders” if no agreement is reached.
As the standoff continues, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains much lower than normal. The key shipping route off Iran’s coast has become a main focus of the war. Iran closed the channel after being attacked, which pushed global fuel prices higher. Average gas prices were just over $4 on Wednesday morning.
Trump continues to say Iran is “collapsing financially” and losing about half a billion dollars each day because it cannot sell oil due to the U.S. blockade of its ports.
Oil Prices Rise as Uncertainty Continues
Oil prices increased on April 22 after reports of gunfire on three container ships in the Strait of Hormuz and no progress in peace talks during the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Military officials from about 30 countries are expected to meet in London on Wednesday to discuss plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to officials from the United Kingdom.
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