DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Semiofficial news agencies in Iran released a chart on Thursday indicating that the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary
Guard may have placed sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This action appears to be a strategic move to exert pressure on the United States as uncertainties loom over a two-week ceasefire agreement and upcoming negotiations in Pakistan. The charts, disseminated by the ISNA news agency and Tasnim, which has ties to the Revolutionary Guard, depicted a significant area labeled 'danger zone' in Farsi over the Traffic Separation Scheme. This maritime route is crucial as it facilitates the passage of approximately 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas trade through the narrow entrance of the Persian Gulf.
Details of the Chart and Maritime Routes
The chart suggests that vessels should navigate further north, closer to Iran’s mainland near Larak Island. Observations indicated that some ships utilized this alternative route during the conflict.The charts were marked from February 28 to April 9, and it remains unclear whether the Revolutionary Guard has removed any mines from the passage since that date.
U.S. Military Presence and Statements
U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized through a statement on his Truth Social platform that the deployment of warships and troops in the vicinity of Iran will continue until a 'real agreement' is fully honored. His remarks seem aimed at applying additional pressure on Iran.Trump warned, 'If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the “Shootin’ Starts,” bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before.' He further asserted that Iran would not succeed in developing nuclear weapons and that 'the Strait of Hormuz WILL BE OPEN & SAFE.'
Ceasefire Agreement and Regional Violence
Both the U.S. and Iran declared victory following the ceasefire agreement, eliciting relief from global leaders. However, subsequent drone and missile strikes targeted Iran and Gulf Arab nations after the announcement of the truce.In parallel, Israel escalated its military operations against the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties, with at least 182 fatalities reported on Wednesday, marking the deadliest day of conflict in the region.
Iran's Response to U.S. and Israeli Actions
Iran's parliament speaker expressed on Wednesday that planned discussions were 'unreasonable' due to the U.S. violating three of Tehran’s ten conditions for ending hostilities. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf criticized Israeli strikes on Hezbollah and noted an alleged drone incursion into Iranian airspace after the ceasefire began.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintained that resolving the war in Lebanon was a component of the ceasefire agreement. However, both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump stated that the truce did not extend to Lebanon. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, acting as a mediator, claimed on social media that the agreement applied universally, including Lebanon.
Concerns Over Ceasefire Stability
A New York-based think tank cautioned that the ceasefire is precariously close to collapse. The Soufan Center indicated that Israel's military actions in Lebanon exacerbate the risk of the agreement unraveling.In an analysis published Thursday, the think tank noted, 'Even if Lebanon was formally outside the deal, the scale of Israel’s strikes was likely to be viewed as escalatory, nonetheless.' The strikes are interpreted as an attempt to create a divide between Iran and its allied groups while responding to perceived exclusion from initial ceasefire discussions.
