Donald Trump said the United States would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz and clearing suspected sea mines, sharply escalating pressure on Iran over what he described as threats to global shipping.
In two posts on Truth Social, Trump accused Iran of failing to keep the vital oil transit route open and warned of sweeping US naval action to secure the waterway.
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“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 added that US forces would also act against vessels linked to Iranian toll payments and begin mine-clearing operations in the region.
“We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits. I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran.”
Framing Tehran’s actions as coercive, Trump said:
“THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted.”
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The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, handles a significant share of global crude and liquefied gas shipments. Any disruption or military escalation in the corridor has immediate implications for energy markets and maritime trade.
Trump also warned of direct retaliation in the event of confrontation at sea.
Alongside the maritime focus, Trump referenced diplomatic contacts linked to regional tensions, saying he had been briefed by Vice President JD Vance and others on talks held in Islamabad involving Pakistani leaders, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He also claimed Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded and warned that the United States remained ready to escalate further if needed.
“Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully ‘LOCKED AND LOADED,’ and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!”
Trump said the blockade would begin shortly and suggested other countries could join the effort, signalling a potential widening of international involvement in securing the strategic waterway.
In two posts on Truth Social, Trump accused Iran of failing to keep the vital oil transit route open and warned of sweeping US naval action to secure the waterway.
Also Read: Putin says Russia ready to mediate Middle East peace in call with Iran president
“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 added that US forces would also act against vessels linked to Iranian toll payments and begin mine-clearing operations in the region.
“We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits. I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran.”
Framing Tehran’s actions as coercive, Trump said:
“THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted.”
Also Read: Inside America’s ‘final and best offer’ for Iran as 21-hour talks fail
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, handles a significant share of global crude and liquefied gas shipments. Any disruption or military escalation in the corridor has immediate implications for energy markets and maritime trade.
Trump also warned of direct retaliation in the event of confrontation at sea.
"Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!"
In a separate post, he reiterated that Iran had “promised to open the Strait of Hormuz” but “knowingly failed to do so”, adding that uncertainty over potential sea mines had deterred shipowners from using the route.Alongside the maritime focus, Trump referenced diplomatic contacts linked to regional tensions, saying he had been briefed by Vice President JD Vance and others on talks held in Islamabad involving Pakistani leaders, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He also claimed Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded and warned that the United States remained ready to escalate further if needed.
“Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully ‘LOCKED AND LOADED,’ and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!”
Trump said the blockade would begin shortly and suggested other countries could join the effort, signalling a potential widening of international involvement in securing the strategic waterway.
