Status of Russian oil sanctions uncertain as Trump vows to blockade Strait of Hormuz

(Abbey Fenbert – The Kyiv Independent) U.S. President Donald Trump announced on April 12 that the United States would blockade the Strait of Hormuz, after negotiations with Iran in Pakistan failed to reach a deal to end the six-week war in the Middle East. The news points to further disruption in global energy markets, as the closure of the key waterway — through which 20% of the world’s oil transits — stalls shipping traffic. The announcement also raises questions about the temporary waiver of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil, which expired April 11. Trump announced plans to blockade the Strait after peace talks in Pakistan, led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, failed to secure a peace deal. The talks came amid a two-week ceasefire Trump declared on April 7, which he said was conditional on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. – Status of Russian oil sanctions uncertain as Trump vows to blockade Strait of Hormuz