By Dharmesh Prajapati

Strait of Hormuz Blocked by Naval Mines

US officials warn that Iran is unable to safely reopen the Strait of Hormuz due to uncertainty over the location of naval mines and limited clearance capability. President Donald Trump has made clear that any two-week ceasefire depends on the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the waterway.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has issued warnings to vessels, while local media suggested passage routes. But the mines, laid in a disorganized manner, remain a major hazard. Reports indicate Iran deployed small boats to lay mines last month, shortly after US and Israeli military operations began. The threat of mines, drones, and missiles has sharply reduced tanker traffic, driving up global energy prices.

Diplomatic Talks in Islamabad

Efforts to stabilize the ceasefire are underway in Pakistan. A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance met Iranian officials in Islamabad, marking the first direct talks since the war began over a month ago.

Iran’s delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, insisted negotiations would only proceed if Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon and released frozen Iranian assets. Meanwhile, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue along Lebanon’s southern border, complicating progress.

Trump publicly wished Vance success, declaring, “We’ll find out what’s going on. They’re militarily defeated.”

Trump Warns China Over Arms Supply

Adding to the tension, Trump issued a stern warning to China after intelligence reports suggested Beijing may be preparing to ship air defence systems to Iran. Speaking to CNN, Trump said: “If China does that, China will have big problems, OK?”

The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied the claims, stating: “China has never provided weapons to any party to the conflict; the information in question is untrue.”

According to US intelligence, the systems in question are shoulder-fired MANPADs — weapons that pose a serious threat to low-flying aircraft. Officials believe China may route shipments through third countries to conceal their origin.

Contradictions in Beijing’s Role

The reports carry diplomatic weight. China has been credited with helping broker the temporary ceasefire earlier this week, a move Trump himself acknowledged. Supplying weapons to Tehran while presenting itself as a peacemaker would represent a striking contradiction — and a direct challenge to Washington.

With Trump scheduled to visit Beijing next month for talks with Xi Jinping, the alleged arms transfer could overshadow negotiations before they begin.

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Dharmesh Prajapati, blending geopolitical analysis with tech-driven truth as Chief Editor and Ambe Infotech advisor.

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