US President Trump Announces Blockade of Strait of Hormuz

US Navy to Enforce Blockade of Strait of Hormuz

The United States Navy will begin enforcing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, effective immediately, according to President Donald Trump. The decision comes after peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

Trump stated that the US Navy will hunt down and interdict ships in international waters that have paid Iran a toll to traverse the strait. He also claimed that Iran’s control over the waterway is “extortion” and accused the country of not meeting its obligations during the peace talks.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments, has seen significant disruptions since the US and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28. Traffic through the strait has slowed, affecting nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Iran has denied claims that its warships recently passed through the strait for mine-clearing operations, warning that any military vessels seeking to do so would receive a “strong response”. Trump stated that any Iranian forces who fire at US or peaceful vessels would be targeted.

The blockade will involve unspecified countries and is intended to prevent Iran from benefiting from the closure of the strait. Iran has continued to send its own ships through the strait since the conflict began, while allowing a limited number of vessels from other countries to pass through.

Source: Al Jazeera