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Tag: Strait of Hormuz

  • Donald Trump Threatens Military Action Against Oman Over Strait of Hormuz Control Plan

    U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened possible military action against Oman if the Gulf nation moves ahead with plans to partner with Iran in asserting joint control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

    Trump Issues Warning Over Strategic Waterway

    Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, May 27, Trump said the United States would not allow any country to control the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as international waters that must remain open for global trade.

    He warned that any attempt by Oman and Iran to impose control or introduce tolls on vessels passing through the route would be firmly resisted.

    “It’s international waters, and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that. They’ll be fine,” Trump said.

    U.S.–Iran Negotiations Ongoing

    The comments come as U.S. and Iranian negotiators continue discussions aimed at reaching a memorandum of understanding to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping without additional charges.

    Reports suggest the talks also include negotiations over Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles, with both sides seeking to avoid further escalation.

    Strait of Hormuz at the Centre of Global Tensions

    The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, making it a recurring flashpoint in geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Gulf states.

    Iran has reportedly explored arrangements with Oman that could introduce tolls for ships passing through the waterway, a move Washington strongly opposes.

    Growing Diplomatic Pressure

    Trump, who also hinted at potential military escalation if negotiations fail, said the U.S. could “finish the job” if a deal is not reached.

    The State Department further amplified his remarks by sharing a video of the warning on social media, underscoring Washington’s firm position on the matter.

    Diplomatic efforts involving Oman, a long-time mediator between the U.S. and Iran, continue amid rising uncertainty over the future of the agreement.

     

  • Iran Proposes Deal to US to Reopen Strait of Hormuz as War Tensions Escalate

    Iran has proposed a new deal to the United States, offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Washington agrees to lift its blockade on the strategic waterway.

    The proposal was reported by Axios, citing a US official and two sources familiar with the matter.

    Pakistan Acts as Channel for Proposal

    According to the report, the offer was delivered to American authorities through Pakistan, marking a fresh attempt at indirect diplomacy between both nations.

    The deal also reportedly suggests postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage as tensions remain unresolved.

    Uncertainty Over US Response

    It remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will accept the proposal, as his administration continues to insist that Iran must halt uranium enrichment as part of any agreement.

    Trump has previously stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain under pressure until Iran reaches a broader deal with the United States.

    Strategic Waterway at Centre of Conflict

    The Strait of Hormuz has remained a key flashpoint in the ongoing conflict involving Iran and US-Israel aligned forces since hostilities escalated earlier this year.

    Iran’s earlier restrictions on the waterway disrupted global oil supply, leading to price increases and energy conservation measures in several countries.

    The US blockade, meanwhile, aims to restrict Iran’s oil exports and limit its access to revenue.

    Global Impact and Rising Casualties

    The wider conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and parts of the Gulf region, with both military and civilian casualties reported.

    Efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution have so far stalled despite continued backchannel engagements.

    Trump to Review Situation in Security Meeting

    President Donald Trump is expected to hold a Situation Room meeting on Monday with senior national security and foreign policy officials to assess the latest developments and possible next steps.

     

  • Fuel Price War Begins as Filling Stations Cut Petrol to N1,295

    Some filling stations across Nigeria have begun reducing petrol prices, signaling fresh competition among marketers as operators adjust rates to attract customers.

    Petrol price drops in Abuja

    Findings show that in Abuja and surrounding areas, petrol is now sold for about ₦1,295 per litre, down from ₦1,330, reflecting a ₦35 reduction.

    The new pricing has already been observed at outlets operated by AA Rano, Ranoil, and Mobil in different parts of the city.

    Marketers align with major operators

    The adjustment brings their rates closer to prices offered by major downstream players such as NNPC Limited, MRS, AP Ardova, and NIPCO, which have maintained pump prices between ₦1,290 and ₦1,295.

    Industry watchers say the alignment suggests a growing price competition within the sector.

    Marketers explain price cut

    President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, said the reduction is aimed at attracting more customers.

    He noted that operators are adjusting strategies to remain competitive in the current market environment.

    Global oil market still volatile

    Despite the local adjustment, fuel prices have remained relatively stable since April 9, 2026, even as global crude oil prices continue to react to geopolitical tensions.

    As of Friday, crude traded around $94 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate and $105 for Brent crude, influenced by concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.

     

  • Iran-Linked Tankers Bypass US Hormuz Blockade as Trump Insists Pressure Is Working

    At least 34 Iran-linked tankers have reportedly bypassed the United States blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh questions over its effectiveness even as US President Donald Trump insists the pressure is hitting Iran’s economy hard.

    Tankers slip past blockade

    A report by the Financial Times said dozens of vessels linked to Iran moved through the strategic waterway in recent days despite the blockade imposed on April 13.

    Out of the 34 ships, at least 19 tankers exited the Gulf while 15 others entered from the Arabian Sea heading toward Iran.

    Among those that left, six were confirmed to be carrying Iranian crude oil, with an estimated 10.7 million barrels valued at roughly $910 million based on discounted pricing.

    Evasion tactics exposed

    One of the vessels, Dorena, reportedly switched off its tracking transponder before passing through the Strait.

    It later carried out a ship-to-ship oil transfer off Malaysia to disguise the origin of the cargo.

    Other sanctioned vessels, including Murlikishan and Alicia, were also said to have entered the Gulf despite restrictions.

    US claims success despite gaps

    Trump, however, maintained that the United States “totally controls” the Strait of Hormuz and described the blockade as a “tremendous success.”

    He said the restrictions would remain until a final agreement is reached with Iran.

    “Iran is collapsing financially… They want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately,” Trump wrote, claiming Tehran is losing up to $500 million daily.

    US Central Command also said American forces had directed 28 vessels to turn back since the blockade began, though only a few ships have been detained or boarded so far.

    Tensions deepen in strategic waters

    Iran, on its part, said control of the Strait has “reverted to its previous state,” adding that vessels now require clearance from its naval forces.

    The situation has further escalated with reports of attacks on ships in the waterway, underscoring growing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

    US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the blockade targets Iran’s key revenue streams, warning that any entity aiding Iranian oil trade risks sanctions.

    Global concerns rise

    The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route for oil, and disruptions have continued to raise concerns over energy markets and international trade.

    The unfolding developments are dominating global headlines and feature prominently in latest Nigerian news, as well as breaking news Nigeria today, given their impact on global oil prices and economic stability.

  • Iran Tightens Grip On Strait Of Hormuz Amid Standoff With US Over Port Blockade

    Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has announced renewed control over the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States amid an ongoing dispute over port blockades.

    The development comes despite earlier signals of a partial reopening, creating fresh uncertainty around one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

    What happened

    Iranian state media reported on Saturday that control of the Strait of Hormuz had “returned to its previous state,” with the Revolutionary Guard insisting it would determine which vessels are allowed to pass.

    This follows conflicting messages from Iranian officials, after the country’s foreign minister had earlier indicated that the strait would remain open to commercial shipping during a ceasefire window.

    US position remains firm

    US President Donald Trump said the naval blockade on Iranian ports would continue until negotiations between both countries are fully concluded.

    He maintained that the strait was “open and ready for business,” but made it clear that pressure on Iran would not ease until a final agreement is reached.

    Conflicting signals from Iran

    The situation has exposed apparent divisions within Iran’s leadership, with the government signalling openness while the military adopts a more assertive stance.

    The Revolutionary Guard’s position suggests tighter control over maritime access, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply.

    Talks and regional tensions

    Trump downplayed differences between both countries, expressing optimism about a possible deal, including cooperation on Iran’s enriched uranium programme, a claim Tehran has rejected.

    He also indicated that fresh talks could take place soon, with reports suggesting a possible meeting in Pakistan, although Iranian officials have cast doubt on the likelihood of progress.

    Meanwhile, developments in Lebanon appear to have stabilised, with Trump stating that Israel would halt further strikes, a condition previously linked to Iran’s willingness to re-engage in negotiations.

  • Iran Rejects Trump’s 15-point Peace Plan, Issues Counter-demands

    Iran has rejected a United States ceasefire proposal and countered with its own five-point conditions for ending the ongoing war, dealing a blow to diplomatic efforts being quietly advanced by the Trump administration.

    Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV, citing a senior political-security official, confirmed on Wednesday that Tehran had rejected the American proposal. “Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” the official said. “No negotiations will be held prior to that.”

    What was in Trump’s proposal

    The US proposal, transmitted to Tehran through Pakistan, called on Iran to commit to never pursuing nuclear weapons and to dismantle three of its main nuclear facilities, Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. It also sought a halt to uranium enrichment, a transfer of enriched material to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the suspension of ballistic missile production, an end to financial support for regional armed groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

    In exchange, the proposal offered a full lifting of international sanctions on Iran and US assistance in developing Iran’s civilian nuclear programme.

    The White House, however, stopped short of confirming the full details. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said there were “elements of truth” in media reports but cautioned that some accounts were “not entirely factual.”

    Iran’s five conditions

    Iran’s counter-proposal, published through state media, set out five conditions: a complete halt to attacks and assassinations by its enemies; concrete guarantees that no further war would be imposed on the Islamic Republic; compensation for war damages; a comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts, including Iran-aligned groups; and recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

    Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari added that Iran plans to charge tolls on ships passing through the strategic waterway, saying: “The authority to issue passage permits is ours.”

    Iran’s foreign minister contradicts state media

    Despite the public rejection, mixed signals emerged from Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state media that the US proposal was still being reviewed by top authorities in Tehran, and that an exchange of messages between the two countries via mediators “does not mean negotiations with the US.”

    Trump’s position

    President Trump told reporters on Tuesday that Iranians “would like to make a deal” and had “agreed they will never have a nuclear weapon.” Iran denies any such agreement and insists its nuclear programme is for civilian use only.

    Background

    The conflict began on 28 February 2026 when the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, targeting key military officials and facilities. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei later chosen as his successor. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel, American military bases in the Middle East, and Gulf states, while also moving to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

    Diplomatic efforts continue through third-party intermediaries, including Pakistan and Turkey. The UN Human Rights Commissioner has warned that the conflict risks drawing in countries on an unprecedented global scale, urging influential states to use all available means to help end the fighting. RNN.NG will continue to update this story as developments unfold.