Situation in the Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia reportedly pressures the US to lift the blockade

Saudi Arabia is pressuring the US to lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and return to the negotiating table. This is because the country fears that the blockade could lead to Iran closing the other important strait, Bab el-Mandeb, Saudi officials told the Wall Street Journal.

According to the newspaper's sources in the region, Iran is pressuring the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who control a long stretch of coastline near the strait, to block traffic.

- If Iran wants to close Bab el-Mandeb, the Houthis are an obvious partner, says Middle East expert Adam Baron.

The Houthi rebels themselves have previously said that a blockade is a possible option.

The strait, which is located in the Red Sea between Ethiopia and Yemen, is crucial for Saudi Arabia's remaining oil exports.

Sources: European countries outline plan for the Strait of Hormuz – without the US

European countries are outlining a plan to ensure free passage through the Strait of Hormuz after the war – without the US, sources told the WSJ.

According to the sources, the plan involves a broad coalition of countries coming together to achieve three goals: to ensure that the hundreds of ships stuck in the strait are released, to clear the mines and to establish regular military escorts through the strait so that commercial ships will dare to use it.

The European ships will not be under American command, according to the sources.

French President Emmanuel Macron said during the day that the plan is that the warring parties (i.e. the US, Iran and Israel) will not be involved in the mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

Several countries will participate in a virtual meeting on Friday, where they will discuss how the strait will be controlled after the war is over. The US will not participate.