The situation in the Middle East, remains volatile, with attention focused on the negotiations US-Iran and on the Sea of Hormuz, where tensions are rising again.
Washington is awaiting Tehran’s response to the US proposal to end the war and Donald Trump said late Friday night that he expects a message “tonight”, while Foreign Minister Marco Rubio expressed hope that it will be a “serious proposal.”
At the same time, however, there is no sign of a de-escalation on the ground. Following the new flare-up in the Persian Gulf, the US military announced yesterday that it had prevented dozens of Iranian ships from entering or leaving Hormuz, and fired on two Iranian-flagged oil tankers that Washington said were trying to break the blockade.
Iranian media have referred to a “limited exchange of fire” around the Strait, while Tehran claims the Revolutionary Guards responded to US strikes, though it does not claim the ceasefire was violated.
In this context, the possible resumption of Operation Freedom, i.e. the US operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, assumes particular weight. Trump had temporarily suspended the mission, citing progress in talks with Iran. However, recent incidents seem to have brought back the scenario of activating it, both as a signal of strength and as an attempt to ensure navigation.
Meanwhile, there is concern over reports that a large oil spill has been detected in the Gulf, offshore Iran’s Hargh island, which exceeded 50 square kilometres yesterday. Specialist firm Orbital EOS said it is possible more than 3,000 barrels of oil
may have leaked into the sea.
