Washington, April 12: President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that the United States will immediately begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz, a move that significantly escalates tensions in West Asia. The President stated that the U.S. Navy will prevent all vessels from entering or exiting the chokepoint, through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply travels.
The decision follows the breakdown of diplomatic negotiations in Islamabad, where the U.S. and Iran failed to reach an agreement regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme. Trump maintained that the blockade is a direct response to what he characterized as Iranian “extortion” and illegal maritime interference. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” the President stated via Truth Social.
U.S. officials affirmed that military forces have been instructed to conduct mine-clearing operations and interdict any vessels suspected of paying transit fees to Iran. Trump asserted that such payments are illegal and warned that any ship participating in these transactions would forfeit safe passage. He also issued a stark warning regarding potential military retaliation, stating that any force used against U.S. assets or peaceful vessels would be met with overwhelming fire.
The blockade arrives at a sensitive time for international shipping, with reports indicating that roughly 15 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded near the chokepoint. While Trump noted that a coalition of other nations might join the enforcement effort, he maintained that the United States remains “locked and loaded” to act independently. He stated that the restrictions could eventually be eased, but only if Iran satisfies Washington’s demands concerning its nuclear ambitions.
