U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday via social media that the U.S. Navy would “immediately” initiate a blockade aimed at preventing vessels from entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The move follows the suspension of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and signals a renewed push by Washington to assert strategic control over the waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil shipments transit. The stated objective appears to be curbing Iran’s economic leverage amid ongoing tensions.
In his statement, Trump declared: “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the finest in the world, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz.”
He further instructed the Navy to “seek and interdict” vessels in international waters that have allegedly paid fees to Iran, adding that such ships would not be granted safe passage.
“The Strait of Hormuz” is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
Trump also emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program remains central to the failure of diplomatic efforts, warning of potential escalation. “At an appropriate moment, we are fully ‘LOCKED AND LOADED,’ and our military will finish up the little that is left of Iran,” he added.
