Tehran: In the latest development in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Oman side of
the Strait of Hormuz without any risk. It is a part of proposals that have been offered by Tehran to Washington during peace negotiations, reported Reuters, citing a source. Notably, the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for 20 per cent of the world's crude oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) shipments, has been virtually blocked by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following airstrikes by the United States and Israel on February 28. The blockade resulted in disruption of crude oil supplies to countries of the region, triggering an energy crisis. Meanwhile, after the first round of US-Iran talks failed, Washington also enforced a blockade in Hormuz. The source told the new agency that Iran could allow ships to pass through the other side of the key waterway without any disruption from its military or the IRGC. However, it is still not clear whether Iran would remove mines if it might have placed them on that side of the strait. There is also no clarity if Iran would allow Israel-linked ships to pass through the Omani side of Hormuz. Iran Israel War Live Updates As per the source, the execution of the proposal depends on Washington, whether it is prepared to accept Tehran's demands, which are central to the success of the peace talks between the two countries. However, there are no official comments from the Iranian or the US sides. Iran Warns The US: The military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday (April 15) threatened the US to attack its ships if it continues the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Mohsen Rezaei made these remarks while speaking on state television. Rezaei warned the United States Iran would retaliate against any attempt by Washington to "police" the key waterway. "Mr Trump wants to become the police of the Strait of Hormuz. Is this really your job? Is this the job of a powerful army like the US?" Khamenei's military advisor said as quoted by news agency AFP.
Rezaei further added, "These ships of yours will be sunk by our first missiles and have created a great danger for the US military. They can definitely be exposed to our missiles, and we can destroy them."
Trump Says 'Permanently Opening Hormuz':
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed he is “permanently opening” the Strait of Hormuz, while asserting that China has agreed not to supply weapons to Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Beijing was “very happy” with the move and suggested a broader understanding with Xi Jinping. He added that the two sides were “working together smartly,” even hinting at an upcoming meeting between the leaders.
