“We Will Track and Block Ships Paying Illegal Tolls
No Guaranteed Safe Passage on the High Seas”
According to CNBC on the 12th (local time), Trump wrote on his social platform, Truth Social, “The U.S. Navy will immediately begin procedures to interdict all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.” He added, “This blockade will be implemented soon, and several countries will join. We will not allow Iran to profit from illegal ‘extortion.’”
The move followed peace talks in Islamabad that collapsed between yesterday and this morning, effectively dashing hopes for a short-term ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of global seaborne oil shipments. Iran’s restrictions on passage have already shaken global markets, and a U.S.-led blockade could deepen instability in energy markets and further strain the world economy.
Trump said the blockade is intended to prevent Iran from controlling the strait and extracting economic gain from that control. He accused Tehran of effectively controlling passage by suggesting “there may be mines somewhere,” calling the tactic extortion on the international community. He reiterated a hardline stance: “The U.S. Navy will seek out and block any vessels that paid Iran a passage toll on the high seas,” and warned that ships that paid illegal tolls “will not be guaranteed safe navigation on the high seas.” The declaration increases the risk of naval confrontations.
Earlier, Iran said it would levy passage fees on ships transiting the strait during a ceasefire, a plan that drew strong international condemnation. The U.S. action is likely to heighten military tensions across the region and further disrupt global energy supply chains and financial markets.
