Will the weekend showdown in the Strait of Hormuz collapse the US-Iran ceasefire?

After Iran opened and then closed the Strait, attacked an Indian tanker and turned around ships, Donald Trump ordered the seizure of a sanctioned Iranian vessel that was attempting to pass through the US blockade. What followed was a new first for the war: shots fired at the Iranian container ship’s engine and the whole vessel taken into custody.

Retired Royal Navy commodore Steve Prest looks at how such seizures normally happen, the tricky question of what will happen to the vessel now and the long-term prospects of the Strait of Hormuz being reopened for global trade.

Plus, with the deadline for ceasefire talks in Pakistan fast approaching, Venetia Rainey looks at the signs today that talks may go ahead on Tuesday despite Iranian denials. She also explains the latest updates from Lebanon, where Hezbollah killed two Israeli soldiers over the weekend.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host @venetiarainey

Steve Prest, ex-Royal Navy commodore @fightingsailor

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Akhtar Makoii: Hormuz chaos shows Iran is too fractured to speak with one voice

‘Vacate your engine room’: US Navy warns Iran ship before firing

You’re firing, let me turn back: Panicked sailor pleads with Iranian attackers

Israeli soldier smashes Jesus statue in face with sledgehammer

Times of Israel: 26 years later, IDF restores its south Lebanon security zone — with key changes

Producer: Peter Shevlin

Executive Producer: Louisa Wells

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