The Washington Post: Trump’s Hormuz blockade could deepen global energy crisis
WASHINGTON, April 13 (YPA) – A potential US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a sharp escalation in the global energy crisis andand halt shipping through the strait, the Washington Post has warned.
The newspaper reported that the blockade, threatened by Donald Trump, could in the near term worsen energy shortages worldwide and bring maritime traffic through the strategic waterway to a halt.
Such a move would deal a significant blow to the global economy, particularly in Asia, where many countries depend heavily on oil, gas, petrochemicals, and other essential goods shipped from the Gulf.
It also highlighted the dangers posed by the strait’s narrow geography, noting that US naval operations could leave vessels vulnerable to attacks by fast boats, drones, and missiles.
According to the report, the proposed strategy may involve US forces boarding and seizing ships that have paid transit fees to Iran, rather than escorting commercial vessels—an approach that would require extensive naval resources, including destroyers and specialized boarding teams.
Retired Admiral Mark Montgomery described the operation as “dangerous,” warning that it could put more service members at risk.
The report added that Trump had signaled the plan by referencing earlier blockade measures against Venezuela, while control of the Strait of Hormuz emerged as one of the most contentious issues during recent talks in Pakistan.
Negotiators reportedly discussed Iran’s nuclear program and Tehran’s demand to unfreeze billions of dollars in assets, according to a Pakistani official familiar with the closed-door discussions.
Although no final agreement was reached, Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of a future deal, echoing Vice President J. D. Vance, who said the core dispute still revolves around Iran’s nuclear ambitions. US officials have also acknowledged that energy prices may continue to rise domestically as a result of these policies.
Meanwhile, US Central Command confirmed it will begin enforcing the blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on April 13, in line with Trump’s directive.
@E.Y.M