International Oil Prices Surge for Four Consecutive Sessions... Trump Says "No Need to Rush" (Comprehensive)

Trump: "Time Is Not on Iran's Side"
Iran: "Hormuz Transit Fee Revenue Deposited"

Associated Press and Yonhap News

Following the breakdown of the second round of talks between the United States and Iran, international oil prices surged for the fourth consecutive trading day amid an unstable ceasefire. The price of Brent crude once again surpassed the $100-per-barrel mark. As both countries maintain a dual blockade around the Strait of Hormuz, concerns over a worsening oil supply have resurfaced. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of strengthening counter-blockade measures, saying he would "not rush" the negotiations, while Iran has responded by depositing revenue from Hormuz transit fees into its central bank. As a result, upward pressure on international oil prices is expected to persist.

Brent Crude Breaks Back Above $100 – Prolonged Dual Blockade Feared

AP Yonhap News

On April 23 (local time) at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for June delivery rose 3.11% from the previous session to $95.85 per barrel. At the London ICE exchange, North Sea Brent crude closed at $105.07, up 3.10% from the previous day. Both WTI and Brent crude have risen for four consecutive trading sessions.

After the final collapse of the second round of U.S.-Iran talks on April 21, both nations have concentrated their efforts on blockading the Strait of Hormuz, reigniting worries about deteriorating oil supply. The New York Times (NYT), citing data from market research firm S&P Global Market Intelligence, reported that as of April 22, only one ship had passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war, 130 ships per day traversed the strait, and during the first round of U.S.-Iran talks, 20 ships per day passed through.

Maisoun Karpapi, Senior Advisor for the Middle East Program at the U.S. think tank Atlantic Council, told CNBC in an interview, "This war has demonstrated the significant risks of energy bottlenecks resulting from a complete blockade of the strait, and these risks are now reflected in oil prices." She added, "We can expect active investment in alternative routes or the construction of pipelines going forward."

Trump: "Time Is Not on Iran's Side... Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended"

UPI Yonhap News

Despite the sharp rise in international oil prices, President Trump has maintained his stance that there is no urgency. At a White House press conference, he stated, "Time is not on Iran's side. There is no need to hurry. I want to reach a great deal."

President Trump also announced the extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. He said he presided over the second round of talks between Israel and Lebanon at the White House that day, remarking, "The talks went very well, and both sides agreed to extend the ceasefire by three weeks. I expect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit the White House in the coming weeks."

He also pledged to continue the blockade and pressure on Iran. President Trump emphasized, "We are implementing 100% effective blockade measures. Their financial and economic situation is dire, and because of the blockade, they cannot conduct any business at all."

Prior to the press conference, President Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, stating, "I have ordered the U.S. Navy to shoot and kill any vessel, no matter how small, that attempts to lay mines in the strait."

Iran: "Hormuz Transit Fees Deposited in Central Bank" ... Reports of Internal Discord Over Blockade

Reuters Yonhap News Agency

Iran has announced that revenue from transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz has been deposited into its central bank. By emphasizing that the transit fees collected during the blockade will be treated as official government revenue, Iran is signaling its intent to maintain the blockade in defiance of U.S. pressure.

According to Iran's Fars News Agency, "Hamidreza Hajibabaei, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, announced that the first revenue from Hormuz transit fees has been deposited into the central bank," adding, "This deposit was made in cash." It was also reported that the Iranian government has nearly completed legislation for the imposition and management of Hormuz transit fees. However, details such as the total amount deposited or the identities of the payers were not disclosed.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged of internal discord in Iran over the blockade and transit fee issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. On the same day, Israel's Channel 12 cited sources saying, "Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, has resigned as head of the negotiation team with the U.S.," adding, "He appears to have stepped down amid intensifying conflict between hardliners and moderates over Qatar's proposal to ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz."

According to Channel 12, the Qatari government had previously proposed allowing 20 Iranian ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for 20 Gulf state vessels also being allowed passage, but hardliners within Iran reportedly opposed the plan and it fell through.

The Iranian government has not issued an official statement on the matter. In this context, President Trump previously stated on April 21 that divisions between Iran's hardline military and the more moderate negotiation team had become severe, and announced that the ceasefire would be extended at the request of Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.