Trump Maintains Blockade as Iran Attacks Ships Amid Internal Divisions

Iranian forces attacked three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22, 2026, escalating tensions just hours after President Trump announced an extension of a tentative ceasefire. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility, stating the ships ignored warnings, while British monitors confirmed significant damage to the vessels. Despite the aggression, President Trump decided to maintain the U.S. naval blockade but granted Iranian leaders additional time to formulate a unified peace proposal. This decision follows failed talks in Islamabad and aims to leverage economic pressure on Iran’s fractured leadership, which is split between moderates and hardliners. The blockade has severely constrained Iranian oil exports, halting roughly 90% of its revenue flow and causing daily economic losses estimated at $435 million. Consequently, inflation is rising sharply within Iran, and global gasoline prices are increasing. The situation is further complicated by the sudden departure of U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan, with Undersecretary Hung Cao named as acting secretary. Trump’s strategy bets that sustained economic strain will force Tehran’s divided factions to agree on terms acceptable to the U.S., supported by diplomatic requests from Pakistani leaders.