Saudi Arabia Reportedly Pressures U.S. to Abandon Blockade of Strait of Hormuz; Iran Says Willing to Continue Negotiations Under International Law
 
According to a report by the U.S. Wall Street Journal on April 13, Saudi Arabia is pressing the United States to drop its plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations. Saudi Arabia fears that such a move by the U.S. could prompt Iran to escalate tensions and disrupt other vital shipping lanes.
 
Saudi Arabia’s Concerns Over Risks to Alternative Export Routes
 
Citing Gulf officials, the report stated that Saudi Arabia has warned Iran may retaliate by blockading the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical Red Sea shipping route for the remainder of Saudi Arabia’s oil exports.
 
Although shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, Saudi Arabia has recently restored oil exports to around 7 million barrels per day, close to pre-conflict levels, by pumping crude through desert pipelines to Red Sea ports.
 
However, the Yemeni Houthi movement controls large stretches of coastline near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. A closure of this Red Sea export route would put Saudi oil exports at severe risk. The report quoted Saudi energy officials as saying Saudi Arabia has received assurances from the Houthis that they will not target Saudi vessels passing through the strait. Still, the report noted that if Iran increases pressure, the Houthis could become more actively involved in the conflict and may even begin charging fees for ships to transit.
 
On April 5, Ali Akbar Velayati, foreign affairs advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said on social media: “Today, the unified command of the Resistance Front views the Bab el-Mandeb as equal to the Strait of Hormuz. If the White House makes another foolish mistake, it will soon realize that global energy and trade flows can be interrupted with a single move.”
 
Hardline Stances and Diplomatic Contacts Between U.S. and Iran
 
On April 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States had imposed a blockade on all vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (22:00 Beijing Time) the same day. Iran’s defense ministry spokesperson responded the same day, stating that any U.S. attempt to militarily interfere in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman will fail.
 
Separately, on April 13 local time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed the latest regional situation, the Islamabad negotiation process, and ceasefire efforts. Pezeshkian stated that Iran is willing to continue negotiations under international law to protect the rights of the Iranian people.
 
Regarding recent U.S. threats over the Strait of Hormuz, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is committed to ensuring the safe passage of ships through this strategic waterway, and any threat to regional security will have a profound impact on global trade. Meanwhile, Iran is fully prepared to respond to any situation while safeguarding its national interests.
 
In addition, China has also issued its latest response concerning the Strait of Hormuz.