The United States is escalating pressure on Iran amid heightened tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and natural gas trade.

US Intensifies Economic Pressure

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a warning on Friday regarding Iran’s demands for payments from ships seeking safe passage through the strait. Iran effectively closed the strait following attacks and threats to vessels after a conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel in February.

These payment demands extend beyond traditional cash transactions, encompassing digital assets, informal swaps, in-kind contributions like charitable donations, and even payments made through Iranian embassies.

Naval Blockade Impacts Iranian Revenue

The U.S. has responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports, initiated on April 13th. This blockade prevents Iranian tankers from exporting oil and significantly impacts Tehran’s revenue streams.

According to the U.S. Central Command, 45 commercial ships have been redirected since the blockade’s implementation.

Human Rights Lawyer's Health Deteriorates

Simultaneously, concerns are mounting over the health of Iranian human rights lawyer Narges Mohammadi. She was urgently transferred from prison to a hospital in Zanjan late Friday.

Her foundation reports her condition as “very high risk,” citing fluctuating blood pressure and severe nausea. Despite recommendations from medical teams in Zanjan for her transfer to Tehran for specialized treatment by her personal physicians, Iranian intelligence officials are reportedly obstructing the move.

Urgent Need for Angiography

The obstruction is delaying crucial angiography tests needed to diagnose her underlying illness. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, based in Paris, emphasized the urgency of the angiography, stating it’s impossible to determine her condition without it.

Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, also highlighted the doctors’ inability to stabilize her blood pressure. Her legal team is actively pursuing the matter with the General Prosecutor’s office.

Trump Weighs In & Executions Raise Concerns

Former President Donald Trump has indicated ongoing negotiations with Iran, expressing dissatisfaction with the progress. He stated on Friday that he is not yet satisfied with the potential deal being discussed, hinting at continued frustration with Iran’s leadership, which he described as “very disjointed.”

These negotiations are occurring via phone after Trump previously cancelled a planned trip for his envoys to Pakistan.

Furthermore, Iran announced the execution of two men, Yaghoub Karimpour and Nasser Bekrzadeh, convicted of spying for Israel. The Iranian judiciary claims Karimpour provided sensitive information to Mossad, while Bekrzadeh allegedly shared details about government officials, religious leaders, and the Natanz nuclear facility.

This execution is part of a recent surge in executions in Iran related to alleged espionage and terrorist activities, raising concerns from rights groups about the fairness and transparency of Iranian trials.