Tensions Surge in the Strait of Hormuz as the United States Vows Indefinite Blockade

The attacks targeted two tankers owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company as they transited on August 13 evening. The United Arab Emirates government blamed Iran; Iranian officials offered no comment.

The Straits Times

A senior Iranian source reported on August 12 that talks to expand the June agreement that halted hostilities had made no progress. The same day, an Iranian parliamentary committee approved a plan that would bar the transit of assets belonging to the United States, Israel and other “hostile” nations, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The Straits Times

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that the United States Navy can sustain a blockade indefinitely by rotating ships. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States intends to inflict further financial damage on Iran. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed total U.S. The United States reimposed the blockade after a brief lift in mid-June, cutting off a primary source of hard currency for Tehran.

UsNews and World Report

Ship-tracking firm Kpler recorded nine vessels passing the strait on August 13, up from five on August 12 but well below the August average of twelve and far short of the pre-war norm of more than 130 ships daily. Early on August 14, no visible crossings were reported. Analysts note that Iran’s ability to restrict shipping serves as its main leverage in negotiations.

The Straits Times

Benchmark Brent futures and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose modestly to about $87 and $81 a barrel, respectively, amid the heightened uncertainty. India’s reliance on Russian crude hit a record in July, while Asian refineries increased purchases of U.S. crude to safeguard supplies. The combined military and economic pressure raises concerns about broader regional escalation, especially after reports of Iran-backed Houthi drone attacks on a Saudi Aramco refinery.

UsNews and World Report

• “Alongside the threat to energy infrastructure in the region, Iran’s ability to restrict shipping through the strait is its main source of leverage in negotiations,” — Torbjorn Solvedt, principal Middle East analyst, Verisk Maplecroft “Alongside the threat to energy infrastructure in the region, Iran's ability to restrict shipping through the strait is its main source of leverage in negotiations,” — Torbjorn Solvedt, principal Middle East analyst with risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft

The Straits Times

• “Indefinitely the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to,” — Pete Hegseth, defense secretary “Indefinitely the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to,” — Pete Hegseth, defense secretary

UsNews and World Report