In a sharply worded post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States Navy will begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with Iran after talks between the two sides in Pakistan failed to resolve the nuclear issue.
Trump said that while recent negotiations “went well” and most points were agreed upon, the key concern, Iran’s nuclear programme, remained unresolved. Accusing Tehran of ‘world extortion’, he claimed Iran had threatened maritime disruption by suggesting there may be mines in the Strait, prompting Washington to act.
According to Trump, the US Navy has been ordered to intercept vessels in international waters that have paid tolls to Iran, declaring that no ship paying what he termed an ‘illegal toll’ would be granted safe passage.
He also said US forces would begin destroying mines allegedly laid by Iran in the Strait.
Warning of severe retaliation, Trump stated that any Iranian attack on US forces or peaceful vessels would be met with overwhelming force. He claimed Iran’s naval and air defence capabilities had already been crippled and said the blockade would begin shortly, with other countries expected to join.
Trump further asserted that Iran would not be allowed to profit from its actions in the Strait and vowed that the United States military was fully prepared for further action if necessary.
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