US Diverts 58 Ships In Ongoing Iran Naval Blockade As Trump Threatens Violent Escalation

(MENAFN- Daily News Egypt) The United States Central Command stated on Saturday that its naval blockade on Iran continues in full, having diverted 58 commercial vessels and disabled four others since 13 April to prevent them from entering Iranian ports.

The assertion of the ongoing blockade follows Friday's maritime clashes, where US forces fired on two Iranian-flagged oil tankers to stop them from docking in violation of the blockade. Despite the friction, President Donald Trump stated the US-Iran ceasefire is“still in effect,” but cautioned Washington would“knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently” if Tehran rejects a pending 14-point peace agreement.

Washington is currently awaiting Iran's formal response to the proposed memorandum of understanding, which aims to end hostilities, ease blockades, and halt Iranian uranium enrichment. Asked if Tehran was stalling its reply, Trump responded:“I don't know. We'll find out soon enough.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the US is expecting a response, adding,“we'll see what the response entails” and hoping it is“a serious offer.” He attributed Friday's delay to a“highly divided” and dysfunctional Iranian government.

The Wall Street Journal reported the one-page draft establishes a 30-day negotiation period, with talks potentially resuming next week in Islamabad, Pakistan. It requires Iran to ease its Strait of Hormuz closure whilst the US gradually lifts its port blockade. If talks fail, US forces will reinstate blockades or resume military action.

Iran has indicated an openness to discussing its nuclear programme and transferring highly enriched uranium abroad. Axios reported the proposed enrichment halt spans 12 to 15 years, bridging Iran's five-year proposal and the US demand for 20 years. Any Iranian breach would extend the halt, after which enrichment is capped at 3.67 per cent. The pact also bars underground nuclear facilities and requires Iran to pledge never to develop nuclear weapons.

Conversely, Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, vowed Friday not to relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz. In a Mehr news agency video, he likened the strategic waterway to an“atomic bomb” and pledged to change its legal regime. Rubio warned that any Iranian effort to control shipping there remains“unacceptable” to the US

Alongside the military developments, Associated Press satellite imagery revealed a 27-square-mile oil slick emanating from Iran's Kharg Island export terminal. Windward AI CEO Ami Daniel estimated 80,000 barrels have spilled since Tuesday, warning it could reach the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia within two weeks as cleanup is unlikely in a war zone. However, Greenpeace Germany expert Nina Noelle noted the slick is dispersing and will likely dissipate offshore. The Pentagon declined to comment on the spill, which predates the most recent US strikes.

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