The Iran-U.S. Talks Collapse, Trump Announces a Naval Blockade, Tensions at the Strait of Hormuz Escalate

Negotiations Yield No Results; Both Sides Hold Their Ground
The indirect talks held in Islamabad between Iran and the U.S. officially broke down on April 13. U.S. Vice President Vance and the Iranian delegation confirmed that no agreement was reached. Iran said that the U.S. made three “unreasonable demands”—“equal sharing of benefits and management interests in the Strait of Hormuz,” “Iran will export all 60% enriched uranium abroad,” and “stripping Iran of uranium enrichment rights for the next 20 years”—all of which were rejected. The U.S. accused Iran of refusing to stop uranium enrichment activities, refusing to dismantle nuclear facilities, and refusing to stop funding Hamas and Hezbollah.

Trump Announces a Naval Blockade
U.S. President Trump immediately announced that, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on April 13, the U.S. would impose a comprehensive naval blockade on Iran, claiming, “Iran will be unable to sell a single drop of oil,” and vowing, “I don’t care whether they come back to negotiate.” The Iranian Supreme National Security Council responded that the blockade threat was “bluffing,” stressing that Iran has the capability to defend its own interests.

Iran Fully Controls the Strait; U.S. Warships Confront
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy announced that it has full control over the Strait of Hormuz, saying that civilian vessels may only pass with permission, and any military vessels attempting to cross will face “the strictest interception.” According to Iranian media reports, two U.S. destroyers have recently tried to enter the Persian Gulf and, after being “targeted” by the Revolutionary Guard, were forced to retreat, with destruction said to be “only minutes away.” Iran also released drone surveillance videos showing that all ships in the strait are under tight monitoring.

Transit Fees Institutionalized; Payments in Renminbi/Cryptocurrency Appear
Iran is pushing forward domestic legislation to institutionalize the Strait of Hormuz “transit fee” system. During the conflict, some vessels have already completed similar “transit payments” using Renminbi or cryptocurrencies.
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