April 14: Fragile ceasefire holds as US threat of 'naval blockade' in Strait of Hormuz fails

By Press TV Website Staff

On April 14, despite US threats of a "naval blockade," Iranian-linked vessels continued to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with maritime trackers confirming multiple crossings, including a US-sanctioned Chinese tanker.

The continued movement highlights the limits of US enforcement as regional diplomacy advanced, with Pakistan reportedly relaying messages between Tehran and Washington.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia privately urged the United States to halt actions that risk destabilising other critical shipping routes.

The economic fallout of the US-Israeli aggression deepened, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warning of a potential global recession amid surging energy prices.

Iran's preliminary damage estimate reached $270 billion, as UN officials cautioned that instability in the Strait of Hormuz, where thousands of vessels remain stranded, threatens global supply chains.

At the same time, Iran maintained that any durable de-escalation depends on an end to US-backed Israeli aggression on Lebanon.

Key developments on day 45 of the war, fifth day of the ceasefire:

• Two ships sailing from Iranian ports crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a blockade threat by the US military. The ships were among four Iran-linked vessels that used the route after Washington's threat, maritime data provider Kpler reported.
• Reuters stated that a Chinese tanker sanctioned ⁠by Washington has passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite a ⁠US “blockade” on the waterway. The tanker and its ‌owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, were previously sanctioned by the US.
• According to a report, Iran is exchanging messages with Pakistan amid Islamabad’s efforts to mediate a permanent end to the US-Israeli aggression.
• Saudi Arabia is reportedly pressing the United States to end its illegal naval blockade against Iran, warning that it could disrupt other critical shipping routes in the region.
• The Iranian mission to the United Nations Office in Vienna dismissed repeated claims by the United States and the Israeli regime that Iran has been seeking a nuclear weapon, saying that repeating the “big lie” will never change the realities on the ground.
• US-Israeli aggression against Iran, and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has triggered the largest rise in global energy inflation in a quarter-century. A report published by Swiss bank UBS shows average energy prices jumped 5.5% in March. 
• IMF has warned that the global economy is at risk of recession if the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran continues and high energy prices persist.
• US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil prices could keep rising until “we get meaningful ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.”
• The Iranian government said the country’s preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression has reached $270 billion.
• Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani urged Iran and the US to engage constructively in mediation efforts.
• Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the ceasefire between the US and Iran was “holding," with efforts to reach a deal after weekend talks failed.
• A UN spokesperson said there is “no military solution,” warning that instability in the Strait of Hormuz is worsening global economic fragility. About 20,000 vessels are reported stranded, with supply chains, including fertiliser, under strain.
• Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the ultimate cessation of the cycle of unprovoked aggression targeting Iran and its due retaliation hinges on the US commitment to halting the aggression and stopping Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
• The United Kingdom urged Lebanon’s inclusion in a broader US-Iran ceasefire framework.
• Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the White House is not acting as an independent entity in its foreign policy and has devolved into a “reporting branch” for Israel.
• Washington hosted a controversial diplomatic meeting between Lebanese and Israeli officials, even as the Israeli regime continues its aggression against Lebanon in blatant violation of a broader regional ceasefire agreement.
• Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his appreciation for the positions adopted by six countries, namely Spain, China, Russia, Turkey, Italy, and Egypt, against the Israeli regime. 
• Italy suspended defence cooperation with the Israeli regime, protesting Tel Aviv’s aggression in Lebanon.
• US President Donald Trump said he had “nothing to apologise for” after criticising Pope Leo XIV for calling for an end to the conflict. He described the pope as “weak” on his stand against the US-Israeli war on Iran.
• US Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, are pushing for another vote to curb Trump’s authority to wage war on Iran. Schumer criticised the campaign as an “epic fail”, citing rising US fuel prices.
• New York Police have arrested about 90 protesters in Manhattan as they protested against the war on Iran and the US’s arms sales to Israel.

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