Kathmandu. US President Donald Trump has announced that the US Navy will enforce a blockade on ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement shared via social media, the President clarified that any vessels using the strategic maritime route will be subject to interception and rigorous inspection. He specifically emphasized that ships found to have paid transit fees to Iran will be placed under strict surveillance, warning that safe passage will be denied to those contributing to what he termed “illegal tolls.” This move is strategically aimed at dismantling Iran’s economic strength by cutting off its maritime revenue streams.
This escalation follows recent claims by Iran’s Deputy Speaker, Haji Babaei, who asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains firmly under Iranian control. Labeling the waterway as Tehran’s “red line,” Babaei had previously mandated that all commercial vessels using the route must pay fees exclusively in the Iranian currency, the Rial. The US announcement of a blockade serves as a direct challenge to this claim of territorial and economic authority over one of the world’s most vital oil transit points.
The blockade comes on the heels of failed diplomatic efforts, as high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran in Pakistan concluded without a resolution after 21 hours of discussion. Reports suggest that the two nations remained deadlocked over the operation of the Hormuz route and the complexities of Iran’s nuclear program. Following the collapse of these talks and the subsequent blockade order, maritime traffic in the region has reached a near standstill. Data from shipping information companies indicate that numerous vessels have already altered their courses or turned back to avoid the zone of conflict.
In response, Iranian leadership has issued a defiant warning against the American intervention. Iranian leader Mohsen Rezaei dismissed the blockade as a move destined for failure, stating that the United States would ultimately face defeat in this confrontation. Rezaei cautioned that the Iranian military is prepared to prevent the blockade from being successful and claimed that Tehran still possesses several “untouched options” to retaliate. He concluded by asserting that Iran would not be suppressed by threats issued over social media.
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