Saudi Arabia Presses U.S. to Abandon Hormuz Blockade
US President Donald Trump ordered the naval blockade of the strategically vital strait, which came into force at 1400GMT Monday — a dramatic escalation following the collapse of weekend negotiations held in Pakistan's capital between Washington and Tehran. Those talks were part of broader international efforts to bring an end to the US-Israeli offensive on Iran, a campaign that has claimed more than 1,400 lives since February 28. The failed discussions came on the heels of a two-week ceasefire.
Riyadh's urgency stems from fears that Trump's blockade could provoke Tehran into retaliatory measures that extend well beyond the Strait of Hormuz, the report said. Specifically, officials worry Iran could respond by shutting down the Bab al-Mandeb — the critical Red Sea chokepoint that serves as a vital artery for the Kingdom's remaining oil exports.
The Wall Street Journal quoted regional officials as warning: "Gulf states don't want the war to end with Iran in control of the Strait of Hormuz, their economic lifeline."
The report added: "But many including Saudi Arabia are pressing the US to resolve the issue at the negotiating table and are scrambling to restart talks."
Despite the hardened public posturing on both sides, the Wall Street Journal suggested back-channel efforts remain alive, noting that Washington and Tehran are "actively engaging with mediators and open to talks if each shows enough flexibility" — offering a rare window of cautious optimism amid one of the most volatile flashpoints in the region.
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