Hormuz between Trump and Iranian IRGC (A Podcast)
Apr 05, 2026
Colleagues,
You do not have to agree with anything I said, but at least think about the contradictions. The attacks on desalination plants take the war to another level.
Related News:
Bloomberg: US Doubles Hormuz Guarantees to $40 Billion With New Partners
The US has doubled its reinsurance guarantees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to $40 billion, announced April 3, 2026. The US International Development Finance Corp. added partners including AIG, Berkshire Hathaway, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Starr, and CNA to the program, building on a prior $20 billion facility led by Chubb. The move aims to boost commercial shipping amid the Iran conflict and blockade risks.
Axios: Trump threatens Iran with “hell” if Hormuz strait isn’t open in 48 hours
President Trump warned Iran that it has 48 hours left to open the Strait of Hormuz or make a deal, or “hell will reign down” on the regime. The ultimatum is part of a 10-day deadline that expires Monday, amid stalled indirect ceasefire talks. Iran rejected the threat and accused the US of planning aggression.
Reuters: Tanker loaded with Iraqi crude passes through Hormuz, shipping data shows
A tanker named Ocean Thunder, carrying about 1 million barrels of Iraqi Basrah Heavy crude, safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz close to the Iranian coast on April 4-5, 2026, according to LSEG and Kpler shipping data. The vessel, loaded on March 2, is heading to discharge in Pengerang, Malaysia, in mid-April. This follows Iran’s declaration exempting Iraqi oil from transit restrictions amid ongoing regional tensions.
The National: Last Night, Iran targets key infrastructure in Kuwait, Bahrain and UAE
Iranian drones struck Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s (KPC) Shuwaikh complex — housing the oil ministry and KPC headquarters — and two power/desalination plants. The complex was evacuated with no injuries, but a fire broke out. The power plants suffered significant damage, shutting down two generation units. Kuwait activated emergency plans to maintain services. KPC CEO condemned the attacks as illogical, noting Kuwaiti-owned facilities. This follows repeated strikes on Kuwait’s oil infrastructure amid the Hormuz blockade and Iran’s retaliation for US/Israeli actions. Kuwait’s oil exports remain halted.
The Podcast (Notice that desalination plants were attacked by Iran)
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