In a decisive move, former President Donald Trump called for an urgent meeting with his core advisors on Saturday to address the tense developments unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by various sources.
Among the attendees were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting was covered by Axios, which cited insights from two U.S. officials.
Additional key figures at the gathering included White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratliffe, and Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Their participation underscored the gravity of the situation.
This high-level meeting came on the heels of reports suggesting that U.S. forces are gearing up to intercept Iran-linked vessels within days, as stated by officials to The Wall Street Journal. Such actions are part of a broader effort to assert control in the region.
Further escalating tensions, the United States has implemented a naval blockade on Iranian ports, compelling 23 ships to retreat. This move is designed to intensify economic pressures on Tehran, with hopes of facilitating a peace agreement, according to a White House spokesperson quoted by the WSJ.
Despite the recent reopening announcement made by President Trump, Iranian officials remain defiant, maintaining a blockade of the critical Strait of Hormuz. This continued standoff highlights the ongoing geopolitical chess game, with both sides maneuvering for strategic advantage.
The narrow waterway facilitates the transportation of 20 percent of the world’s oil which has been sent soaring to nearly $100 a barrel due to the current Iranian blockade.
It dropped slightly following reports the Strait had reopened. It is unclear how much oil prices will be affected with the Strait closing again.
President Donald Trump and his inner circle entered an emergency situation room on Saturday to discuss the ongoing tensions with Iran as the ceasefire deal is set to expire
The two countries are arguing over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran shut again a day after opening it. On Saturday, two Indian ships were fired at as they moved toward the Strait
The reports emerged against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran which is set to end in three days.
If no permanent deal is met, the war will renew and Trump has warned he could ‘start dropping bombs again.’
On Saturday, the 79-year-old told the press that Iran can’t ‘blackmail’ the US.
‘They wanted to close up the Strait again, as they’ve been doing for years, but they can’t blackmail us,’ Trump said.
Trump claimed that talks between the US and Iran are ‘going very well,’ despite the issue with Iran opening and closing the Strait and threatening ships that enter the oil-rich area.
But as at least two Indian ships were hit by Iranian fire on Saturday as they attempted to pass through the narrow waterway, Trump has allegedly gone into a situation room meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis, Axios reported, citing two US officials.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the Middle Eastern country is revealing new proposals from the US, but no decision has been made.
Trump had indicated that he suspects a deal could be made by the end of the day, telling reporters: ‘We’ll have some information by the end of the day.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pictured in March) were also in the emergency meeting on Saturday, sources told Axios
‘We’re talking to them. We’re taking a tough stand. They’ve killed a lot of people. A lot of our people have been killed.’
Trump said on Saturday he is still weighing whether to extend the truce, warning military action remains on the table if talks fail.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment.
On Saturday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is leading the Iranian delegation, said any interference with the Strait, including mine clearing, would be considered breaking the ceasefire, The New York Times reported.
Iran also reiterated it wanted the US to remove the blockade from the Strait.
‘The Americans have announced a blockade in recent days; this is a reckless and misguided decision,’ Ghailbaf said.
‘It is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while we cannot. If the United States does not lift the blockade, transit through the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be restricted.’
Boats anchored near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said any boat the moves toward the Strait will be considered in ‘cooperation with the enemy’ and would be targeted
The continued blockage of the Strait of Hormuz by the US broke the ceasefire deal, Iran said.
It also warned that any vessel that moved toward the Strait would be considered in ‘cooperation with the enemy’ and would be targeted.
Iran closed the oil-rich waterway just a day after reopening it due to the blockade.
