President Donald Trump of the United States has ordered the US Navy to block the Strait of Hormuz. Trump gave the order on Sunday following the unexpected breakdown in talks with Iran over its nuclear programme.
In a lengthy and strongly worded statement posted on his Truth Social account, the US President stated that while negotiations made progress on several issues, it failed to resolve what he described as the “only point that really mattered”.
He said, “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”. According to Trump, the move was a response to what he called “world extortion”, in the ongoing crisis.
Trump further accused Iran of allegedly creating uncertainty in the vital oil transit route. He also declared that US forces had been instructed to interdict vessels in international waters suspected of paying tolls to Iran for safe passage, warning that such ships would not be guaranteed protection.
“No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” President Trump said, adding that American forces would also begin clearing mines allegedly placed in the strait.”
