US-led initiative tightens efforts to block weapons from reaching Iran, stop nuclear proliferation

The United States and participating nations of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) have committed to enhancing efforts to stop the transfer of weapons, materials, equipment, and technologies to and from Iran that could aid in the creation of weapons of mass destruction and delivery systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles. This pledge came one year after the reinstatement of six UN Security Council resolutions under the snapback mechanism, imposing restrictions on Iran.

The participating countries announced a series of measures, including enhanced intelligence sharing, streamlined information transfer procedures, and interdiction and prevention measures against Iranian proliferation activities. The statement also expressed support for the US sanctions campaign, Operation Economic Outcast, and urged all UN member states to implement the reinstated resolutions.

US President Donald Trump had recently declared that "things will happen in Iran very soon," attributing this claim to the severe damage inflicted on Tehran's military and economic capabilities during six months of war. He noted that Iran had suffered 4,500 casualties, while the US had lost just 18. Trump also claimed that Iran's economy was in a dire state, with inflation exceeding 300%.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump asserted that the US had achieved almost total control of the area. He stated that while mines occasionally disrupted operations, the US effectively controlled the strait. Trump further claimed that the volume of oil passing through the strait had reached unprecedented levels over the past three days, surpassing any recorded historical period.

He emphasized that this was not limited to the timeframe since the war but applied to any point in history, highlighting a significant surge in oil exports from the Strait of Hormuz.