The United States has launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran, the White House confirmed, even as it insisted that diplomatic talks between the two sides remain ongoing. The dual approach underscores the Trump administration’s resolve to prevent Iranian interference in the Strait of Hormuz, with a senior official warning that Donald Trump “will not let ships be fired on … without Tehran paying a consequence”.
The latest military action comes amid heightened tensions in the strategic waterway, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil passes. Iran has long used its position along the strait as leverage, but that control is expected to fade over time, according to Javier Blas, Energy and Commodities columnist at Bloomberg.
“US launches more strikes on Iran as White House says talks continue; analyst Javier Blas says Tehran's Strait of Hormuz grip will weaken.”
“Iran’s control over Strait of Hormuz will weaken over time,” Blas told Channel 4 News, offering a rare note of optimism for global energy markets. His analysis suggests that sustained pressure – both military and economic – may gradually erode Tehran’s ability to threaten the vital shipping lane.
The White House did not disclose the scale or targets of the latest strikes, but the administration emphasised that the door to negotiations remains open. The conflicting signals – bombs and talks – reflect a strategy aimed at forcing Iran to the table while demonstrating the cost of aggression.
For now, the strait remains a flashpoint. But if Blas’s prediction holds, the long-term trajectory may favour the US and its allies, reducing the risk of a broader conflict that could disrupt oil supplies and destabilise the region.
