Trump Adjusts Strategy: US and Iran Engage in Survival Game with Dual Blockade of Strait of Hormuz
On April 13, 2026, US President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to halt Iran's oil exports and cripple its economy. This action followed the failure of US-Iran peace talks on April 11 in Islamabad. The situation has resulted in a 'dual blockade,' with Iran controlling the Strait and the US restricting Iranian vessel movements. Miad Maleki, a senior researcher at the Foundation of Defense of Democracies, estimates this blockade could cost Iran approximately $435 million daily. Major buyers of Iranian oil include China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. Despite the US being an energy exporter, rising international oil prices have doubled domestic gasoline and diesel costs, creating political pressure for the Trump administration.
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- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 06:07
- 🔍 Collected: April 14, 2026 at 06:31 (24 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 14, 2026 at 06:32 (0 min after Collected)
US President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, effective April 13, 2026, at 10 AM EST. This measure aims to completely block Iran's oil exports, severely impact its economy, and trigger a political crisis. However, high oil prices are also exerting significant pressure on the Trump administration. Peace talks between the US and Iran on April 11 in Islamabad failed. Trump subsequently changed strategy, deploying US warships in the Persian Gulf to prohibit Iranian vessels from entering or exiting the Gulf. This has created a 'dual blockade' situation, where the Iranian military controls the Strait of Hormuz, while the US military restricts Iranian ship movements. The US-Iran conflict has reached its 45th day. According to Miad Maleki, a senior researcher at the Foundation of Defense of Democracies, 90% of Iran's annual maritime trade, valued at $109.7 billion, passes through the Strait of Hormuz. With no alternative routes, the US naval blockade could result in daily economic losses of approximately $435 million for Iran. The inability to export oil would force Iran to shut down oil fields, causing long-term damage. China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey are major buyers of Iranian crude oil, and reduced supply would impact their economies, potentially pushing Iran back to the negotiating table. Former National Security official Richard Hass stated on X that Trump's blockade is correct, suggesting the US should propose a maritime management mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz, including Iran, but without full Iranian control, unless Iran fully opens the Strait. No incidents were reported on the first day of the US counter-blockade. While the US is an energy exporter, international Brent Crude (ICE Brent Crude) and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices have converged and risen. US retail gasoline and diesel prices have doubled compared to pre-conflict levels. Sustained high oil prices would be a major political burden for the Trump administration. Trump claims Iran's military capabilities have been destroyed, with 158 warships sunk, no navy remaining, and most mines in the Strait cleared, allowing the maritime blockade to proceed. He asserts Iran will be unable to effectively sell crude oil, with many countries turning to the US for supply.