President Donald Trump has announced that the United States Navy will begin an immediate blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in tensions with Iran.
The announcement came a day after failed peace Negotiations between the US and Iran held in Islamabad, where both sides were unable to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the ongoing conflict.
In a series of posts on Truth Social on Sunday, April 12, Trump said U.S. forces would interdict any vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran to pass through the strategic shipping lane.
He warned that vessels complying with what he described as “illegal tolls” would not be granted safe passage, adding that U.S. forces would also begin clearing mines allegedly laid by Iranian forces in the strait.
Trump further issued a strong warning, stating that any Iranian action against U.S. forces or civilian vessels would be met with force, signalling a tougher military posture in the region.
The blockade, which Trump said would take effect immediately, represents a significant escalation in the Persian Gulf, coming shortly after both countries entered a fragile ceasefire that began on April 7.
BBC
