Donald Trump made a major military announcement regarding the Strait of Hormuz after high-stakes diplomatic talks failed to reach a resolution. The president outlined aggressive new naval measures targeting Iran’s control over the critical waterway.
Donald Trump gives update on Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. Navy will blockade ships entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz, CBS News reports. He shared the update on Truth Social on Sunday after talks in Pakistan failed to produce a deal. Trump also ordered the Navy to intercept vessels that paid tolls to Iran in international waters.
“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 said. He added the U.S. would begin “destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits.” Trump warned, “Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!”
At least two vessels traversing the strait paid Iran fees in Chinese yuan for safe passage. Analysts from Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps imposed a “toll booth” regime. The IRGC required vessels to submit documentation, obtain clearance codes, and accept escorted passage through a controlled corridor.
The announcement followed failed face-to-face talks led by Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad on Saturday. Vance told reporters the Iranians “have chosen not to accept our terms,” and direct talks ended. The two sides had agreed to a two-week ceasefire five days earlier.
Trump claimed, “most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not.” He told Fox News the U.K. and other countries would send mine sweepers to support the effort. A source familiar with the matter confirmed the United Kingdom will not participate in a blockade. A U.K. spokesperson said, “We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.” A senior NATO official confirmed the U.K. leads planning for a coalition of over 40 nations to reopen the strait.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
