US officials are reportedly weighing aggressive options, with Trump warning that Iran’s energy infrastructure could be “taken out” and announcing plans to begin blocking ships moving through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a critical artery for global oil supplies, making any disruption a major geopolitical risk.
The United States Central Command said the blockade would begin Monday, later clarifying that it would primarily target vessels linked to Iran, particularly those connected to its ports. Trump described the move as a pressure tactic to force Tehran into reopening the strait, while suggesting that other countries might join the operation.
Iran reacted sharply, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warning that any restriction on access to the strait would violate the existing ceasefire and could provoke serious consequences. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized Trump, referencing rising fuel prices and mocking the US position.
Analysts warn that enforcing a naval blockade in such a heavily trafficked and strategically sensitive waterway could be interpreted as an act of war. Experts say the operation would require a sustained and large-scale military commitment, raising doubts about its feasibility as a short-term pressure tactic.
Concerns over retaliation are also intensifying. Former US naval chief Gary Roughead cautioned that Iran could respond by targeting commercial shipping or critical infrastructure across the region, potentially drawing multiple countries into a broader and more dangerous conflict.
