Donald Trump has warned that any Iranian naval vessels approaching the U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will be “immediately eliminated,” marking a further escalation in tensions.
In a Truth Social post issued after the blockade came into force at 3:00 pm UK time, Trump said Iran’s “fast attack ships” would be targeted if they approached U.S. forces. He added that any such vessels would face a rapid and forceful response.
The U.S. president had earlier stated that all ships—regardless of nationality—entering or leaving Iranian ports or coastal waters would be stopped by the U.S. Navy, with American forces also prepared to seize vessels breaching the blockade.
Iran has strongly condemned the move. A spokesperson for its armed forces described the restrictions on shipping in international waters as illegal and “amounting to piracy,” warning that Tehran would enforce its own control measures over the Strait of Hormuz.
The blockade follows the collapse of negotiations over the weekend aimed at ending the six-week conflict. In response, oil prices have surged back above $100 per barrel, reflecting renewed fears over global supply disruptions.
