BlockBeats News, April 14: The U.S. maritime blockade against Iran officially took effect last night local time, with over 15 warships deployed and the U.S. military simultaneously beginning to intercept vessels entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump claimed that 158 Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed and warned that any “fast attack boats” approaching the blockade zone will be immediately eliminated. Meanwhile, shipping data shows that tankers have significantly rerouted around the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting maritime traffic once again, with the International Energy Agency confirming that over 80 oil and gas facilities in Iran have been damaged due to the conflict.
In a strong response, Iran has declared a heightened state of alert for its armed forces, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stating that new combat methods will be employed if the conflict continues. The Iranian military has also announced plans to implement a “permanent mechanism to control the Strait of Hormuz” and issued a warning: if the security of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea ports is threatened, all regional ports will either “belong to everyone or no one.” In response to Trump’s blockade threat, a spokesperson for Iran’s Supreme National Security Council dismissed it as a “bluff.”
Diplomatic mediation is also underway. U.S. and Iranian officials have confirmed that negotiations are still ongoing, with the main point of contention being the duration of the pause in uranium enrichment—the U.S. is requesting 20 years, while Iran hopes for a shorter period. Russian media has revealed that the next round of talks may take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the 16th, and the Pakistani Minister of Defense has also stated that the prospect of restarting negotiations still exists. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has spoken with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to coordinate on the latest developments. Of note, an Iranian deputy speaker revealed that Iran had prepared to dilute 450 kilograms of enriched uranium as a goodwill gesture.
In Lebanon, Israel continues to carry out airstrikes in the south, resulting in at least 7 deaths. The Israeli army has announced an expansion of its military operation, claiming to have killed over a hundred Hezbollah militants and seeking to establish a deeper security buffer zone. The Israeli Prime Minister indicated that a ceasefire with Iran “may end very soon” and openly supported Trump’s blockade stance. Hezbollah’s leader stated that they will not disarm and will continue to resist. The Lebanese Foreign Minister stated that direct Lebanon-Israel negotiations have confirmed that the Lebanon issue is independent of the Iran issue, progressing on two separate tracks.
