Tehran warns of "major retaliation" if Lebanon crisis remains unresolved N. Prabhakaran DUBAI: Despite the temporary ceasefire bet...
Tehran warns of "major retaliation" if Lebanon crisis remains unresolved
N. Prabhakaran
DUBAI: Despite the temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, Tehran has indicated that a return to normalcy remains distant. Iran has imposed stringent conditions on maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, significantly impacting global trade.
The 14-day ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, is currently on the verge of collapse. On Wednesday afternoon, Iran suspended maritime traffic once again, alleging that Israeli strikes in Lebanon constitute a direct violation of the agreement.
Under the current terms, Iranian sources state that only 15 vessels per day will be permitted to transit the Strait. A senior official disclosed these details to the Russian news agency TASS ahead of high-level negotiations scheduled in Islamabad.
All vessels must obtain explicit authorization from Iran and adhere to protocols enforced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Strait of Hormuz is critical to the global economy, carrying one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply.
Iran has made the implementation of the deal contingent on the release of its frozen foreign assets within two weeks. "The repatriation of these assets is a non-negotiable condition," Iranian officials stated.
Tehran has further demanded that the UN Security Council officially ratify the cessation of hostilities, warning that a failure to meet these terms will result in a return to full-scale war.
The Lebanon Dispute
Continued Israeli operations in Lebanon remain a primary flashpoint. While Iran maintains that Lebanon is included in the ceasefire framework, the U.S. and Israel have rejected this interpretation. Tehran has threatened a total blockade of the Strait if the offensive in Lebanon persists.
On April 7, U.S. President Trump announced the two-week truce, suggesting that Iran’s proposals could serve as a framework for negotiations. Official talks are set for April 10 in Islamabad. However, Iran issued a stark warning: if its demands are ignored, it will engage the U.S. and Israel with greater intensity than seen in the last 40 days of conflict.
Normal traffic of 140 ships per day has plummeted to less than 10% of its usual volume. The IRGC has mandated that ships use a specific corridor north of Larak Island; any vessel deviating from this path risks being targeted.
Reports indicate Iran is seeking to levy a transit fee of up to $2 million (approx. ?16 crore) per vessel. While some Asian nations have reportedly considered payment, Western powers and major shipping conglomerates have voiced strong opposition.
Due to the threat of naval mines and security risks, roughly 2,000 ships and 20,000 crew members remain trapped within the Persian Gulf.
This disruption represents the most severe energy crisis since the 1970s, driving crude oil prices to $126 per barrel.
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