Hormuz free passage is over, and so is the era of global cooperation

Apr 4, 2026 | 19:33 IST

Having tasted blood, Iran is not going to go back to free naval passage. Other countries may well follow suit

The next twists in the Gulf war are unpredictable. US President Trump has threatened to land troops to take Kharg Island, Iran’s main export hub, despite the enormous risks involved. He has also threatened to blast Iran’s power stations and oil infrastructure if it does not call an end to the war on US terms.

However, many Republicans, including Vice President J D Vance, want the US to declare victory and exit the Gulf in a hurry. The war has sent the price of petrol in the US up from an average of $3/gallon to $4/gallon. Diesel is up 25%. The war is unpopular — net voter support is minus 32%, according to the latest CNN/SSRS poll.

TOI

TOI

Hormuz free passage is over, and so is the era of global cooperation

Having tasted blood, Iran is not going to go back to free naval passage. Other countries may well follow suit

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TOI

Hormuz free passage is over, and so is the era of global cooperation

Having tasted blood, Iran is not going to go back to free naval passage. Other countries may well follow suit

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