US President Donald Trump made another bold claim on Wednesday, that ‘Iran’s New Regime President' has “asked for a ceasefire.”
In his Truth Social post, Trump claimed that US will consider Iran's ‘ceasefire ask’ when “Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear.”
“Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE! We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!! President DJT” read Trump's post.
Earlier today, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK will coordinate a diplomatic push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Israeli war with Iran threatens to derail economies around the world and fracture the transatlantic alliance.
Why is Strait of Hormuz in focus?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow and crucial route that has become the centre of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
A vital waterway – the Strait connects the oil-rich Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. Around one-fifth of global energy supplies normally pass through it.
Iran has reportedly attacked ships in the Strait, leading to a plunge in tanker traffic – since the conflict began on Saturday, 28 February.
Before the conflict, more than 130 ships crossed daily. Now, only 3–4 ships per day are managing to pass. Many vessels are stranded nearby, and over 20 commercial ships have reportedly been attacked since the war began.
Iran has not fully shut the strait but has effectively imposed a selective blockade. It has restricted access for the US, Israel and their allies, while allowing ships from countries it considers “friendly” to pass. These include India, China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
UAE is reportedly preparing to help United States and other allies open the key waterway by force – The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, 31 March – citing Arab officials.
