Situation in the Strait of Hormuz

US begins blockade of Hormuz: “Will be wiped out immediately”

The US has begun its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in an attempt to increase pressure on Iran to open the vital oil route, writes CNBC. In a post on social media, President Trump sends a warning to Iranian attack boats. “If any of these vessels come near our blockade, they will be wiped out immediately,” he writes.

In a document seen by Bloomberg, the US plans to block Iranian ports. Ships that violate the blockade may be seized.

The blockade is said to cover Iran’s entire coastline, including areas east of the Strait of Hormuz. Neutral ships not bound for or from destinations in Iran will be allowed to pass through the strait, but may still be searched, according to the document.

Trump announced plans for his own blockade of the strait on Sunday after talks between the countries broke down.

NATO countries refuse to participate in Trump's blockade

Several NATO countries have announced that they will not participate in Trump's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.

Countries such as Britain and France state that they do not intend to be drawn into the conflict, and emphasize the importance of opening the strait for free passage.

– We do not support the blockade, says British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the BBC.

Yesterday, Donald Trump claimed that other countries will be involved in the blockade, and that several countries, including Britain, will send minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz.

NATO chief Mark Rutte has previously said that NATO can provide assistance in the strait if all 32 member states can agree on what such a mission should look like. 

 

UN: Blockade of Hormuz could lead to global food crisis

A prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a global food crisis, warns the UN Food and Agriculture Organization FAO according to Reuters.

If exports of fertilizer and energy are stopped, harvests could decline and food prices could soar.

According to FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero, poorer countries are at the highest risk. He urges the parties involved to allow ships carrying agricultural goods through as soon as possible.

– The clock is ticking, he says.