Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any transit through the canal will be subject to "severe measures."
Iranian state media reported that maritime traffic "to and from the ports of allies and supporters of Israeli-American enemies is prohibited" through any corridor and to any destination.
This morning three ships of different nationalities were forced to turn back after warnings.
The news comes as Donald Trump wavers between negotiations and the possible deployment of another 10,000 troops to the Middle East, an option the US president is reportedly considering, according to the Wall Street Journal . These troops would be deployed near Iran and the island of Kharg, a key hub for oil exports to the Gulf . According to media reports, Iran is preparing for a US invasion on Kharg Island, placing booby traps and mines throughout the area .
Indirect negotiations are continuing. Yesterday, Trump extended the halt to attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure: "At the request of the Iranian government, I declare that I will suspend the phase of destruction of energy infrastructure for 10 days, until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time . Talks are ongoing and, despite false claims to the contrary by fake news media and others, are progressing very well," the US president wrote in Truth. This is an ultimatum to Tehran: if it does not reopen the Strait, the attacks will resume .
Tehran rejected the US's 15-point proposal for a peace agreement and presented its own five-point proposal, which the US finds unacceptable as it makes no mention of either the nuclear program or the production of ballistic missiles.
These are Iran's five demands: a halt to "targeted attacks and assassinations" by the US and Israel; guarantees against future conflicts; payment of war reparations; an end to fighting on all fronts, including Palestine and Lebanon; and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over Hormuz .
(Unioneonline)