General Ali Mohammad Naini, spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), issued a direct challenge to US President Donald Trump on 15/3. "Didn't US President Donald Trump say that the Iranian navy had been destroyed? If that's true, let him send warships into the Persian Gulf, if he dares," Tasnim news agency quoted Naini.

General Naini's remarks followed President Trump's expression of hope that Europe and China would help alleviate congestion in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had warned that a lack of response, or a negative one, "would be very bad for the future of NATO." He specifically requested "mine sweepers" as assistance.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on 15/3 that security in the Strait of Hormuz remained "critical," despite no incidents in the past three days. UKMTO explained the overall maritime security environment is severe due to ongoing attacks, interference with operations, and infrastructure disruptions across the region.

IRGC spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini. *Photo: Rasthaber*

The Strait of Hormuz has been significantly impacted since Iran's retaliatory actions against US-Israel operations. Marine Traffic, a tracking website, indicates a 90% reduction in traffic through the strait during the crisis. UKMTO has documented at least 20 vessel attacks around the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman since the conflict began.

This situation poses alarming consequences for the global economy, as 20% of the world's crude oil passes through this crucial shipping lane.

Location of the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

In response to the growing instability, unnamed US officials informed the Wall Street Journal on 15/3 that President Trump planned to announce an international coalition. This coalition aims to escort merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days. Details regarding the participating nations and their warships remain unclear.

Diplomatic exchanges continue, with Trump stating on 14/3 that Iran desired a ceasefire agreement. However, Tehran swiftly rejected this, asserting it "sees no reason to negotiate with the US." Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that Iran is prepared to engage in dialogue with countries interested in negotiating terms for oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

US officials have not commented on the information.

Duc Trung (According to Al Jazeera, CNN, AP)