The blockade imposed by Donald Trump came into effect on Monday at 4:00 p.m., following the failure of negotiations between Iran and the United States in Pakistan. The American President threatened on Monday to “destroy” any Iranian “fast attack ship” that would force this passage, controlled by Tehran since the beginning of the war. This operation is supposed to prevent all ships entering or leaving Iranian coasts and ports from circulating.
However, those leaving or heading towards other Gulf countries can pass freely. No specific details have been communicated regarding the means deployed and how the entire traffic will be controlled. Donald Trump suggested that the United States would be supported in their goal by other countries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for the American President’s project. “We support this firm position and are in constant coordination with the United States,” he said.
Tehran threatens other Gulf ports
Iran, on the other hand, refuses to yield to American offensives. The country deemed the blockade as “illegal” and an act of “piracy.” Tehran also responded with threats: “If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be secure,” stated the Iranian military command.
Many countries have criticized the United States’ decision. “We do not support the blockade,” declared British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His country, along with France, will organize a conference in the coming days involving key countries to contribute to “a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation,” announced Emmanuel Macron on Monday. “According to international law, no country has the right to prohibit innocent passage or freedom of navigation in the international straits used for international transit,” affirmed Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, the UN’s maritime agency. Spain believes this blockade “makes no sense.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic maritime passages in the world. It usually sees nearly a fifth of the world’s oil trade pass through and has been a crucial point but also a tension zone since the beginning of the war. If the strait is blocked, oil and energy prices worldwide could skyrocket automatically, and the consequences were already being felt on Monday.
“We are likely heading towards increased tensions”
Just before the start of the blockade, oil prices had surged, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery bouncing by 7.26% to $103.58 per barrel. Brent crude from the North Sea for June delivery, the global benchmark, was trading at $101.85, up 6.99%. “The impact on oil prices will be felt quite quickly on certain refined products, notably diesel. We also risk being in a tense situation regarding kerosene, for example,” specified commodities specialist economist Philippe Chalmin. The European Airports Association last week expressed concerns about a potential “systemic shortage” of kerosene.
Fuel prices have risen by over 40 cents per liter since the conflict began, slightly less for gasoline, according to Philippe Chalmin. He believes that if the situation persists, “we are likely heading towards increased tensions.” In France, prices have only dropped by one cent on average since the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was concluded on April 8. These prices could rise again with this blockade. “Regarding gas, the market is much more tense. We are entering a period of lower consumption, but we will need to be able to replenish stocks,” said the economist. European gas prices also rose on Monday as competition between Asia and Europe intensifies for liquefied natural gas. The Dutch TTF forward contract, considered the European reference, rose by 9.19% to €47.65.
“Overall, we are practically living day by day in these markets,” explained Philippe Chalmin. It is difficult to anticipate the future and the precise consequences of this conflict due to its unpredictability. Many uncertainties remain about this blockade. The situation is unprecedented, and the truce between the United States and Iran, which is supposed to last until April 22, could be threatened.
/2026/04/14/69de4e4f7783a191072188.jpg "Italy suspends renewal of its defense agreement with Israel.")
