Confrontation escalates! Trump says he will blockade Iran long-term, Iran: will launch an "unprecedented" military counterattack!

Trump has successively sent strong signals, explicitly instructing aides to prepare for a long-term maritime blockade against Iran, as a core pressure tactic to force Iran to make concessions on the nuclear issue.

Trump posted on social media accusing Iran of being unwilling to sign a nuclear-free agreement, demanding that Iran make a wise decision as soon as possible, and accompanied the post with an image emphasizing that he is no longer a "nice guy," while reiterating that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.

He also assessed that maintaining a blockade carries lower risks and is more suitable as a sustained pressure option compared to resuming military strikes or directly withdrawing from the conflict.

The US blockade this time primarily aims to prevent vessels from entering and exiting Iranian ports, focusing on striking Iran's oil exports and economic lifeline.

Concurrently, the US Treasury Department has intensified sanctions, adding individuals and entities involved in operating Iran's shadow banking system to the sanctions list, prohibiting the US and related parties from paying transit fees for the Strait of Hormuz to Iran.

It also warns relevant parties of sanctions risks associated with oil trade with Iran, forming a combined pressure pattern of maritime blockade and financial sanctions.

The US's strong stance this time directly stems from dissatisfaction with Iran's latest negotiation proposal. Iran, through Pakistan, proposed a three-stage negotiation plan, advocating for ending the war first, then resolving the issue of passage through the strait, and finally discussing the nuclear program.

However, the US insists that the nuclear issue must be a prerequisite for negotiations, and the Trump administration has explicitly rejected this phased approach, leading to a persistent stalemate in negotiations.

In response to the US blockade threat, Iran has retaliated strongly.

On April 29th local time, a senior Iranian security official warned that Iran would respond to the US's continuous piracy with unprecedented military action. Officials from the Iranian parliament also emphasized that they would not abandon their sovereign rights over the Strait of Hormuz, and that negotiations are not a retreat but a new phase of combat.

The Iranian government spokesperson stated that Iran has already developed multiple contingency plans and is expanding cooperation with neighboring countries through land routes, possessing the capability to withstand a long-term blockade.

Since the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East, it has had a significant impact on regional and global trade. The United Nations disclosed that since February 28th, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased by a substantial 95.3%.

Furthermore, it has triggered a rise in global commodity food prices and a significant surge in crude oil prices in the European market, with the energy and shipping markets continuing to face pressure.

Article Source: Weiyun.net