President Donald Trump announced on social media that the United States military will reinstate a naval blockade targeting Iran's seaports, citing a recent escalation of hostilities involving Iran's actions against commercial shipping.
The directive, posted on Trump's Truth Social account Monday, indicated the blockade would specifically target Iranian vessels and their customers attempting to enter or depart the country's ports. Trump clarified that this measure would not impede the passage of ships belonging to other nations, stating, "All other countries will have fair and open use of the [s]trait."
President Trump further elaborated that the U.S. would seek reimbursement for its operational costs by levying a 20% charge on all cargo transiting through the region. This measure, he stated, is intended to cover expenses incurred in ensuring "safety and security to this volatile section of the world."
The announcement follows a period of increased tensions and retaliatory actions between the U.S. and Iran, including Iran's repeated firing on commercial vessels in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
