The U.S. military began a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday, following the collapse of peace talks held in Pakistan. President Trump announced the move, aiming to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed for six weeks, causing global oil prices to surge.
The blockade intends to cut off Iran’s oil revenue and prevent it from collecting transit fees. Trump warned that any Iranian vessels approaching the blockade would be “immediately eliminated,” and any ships paying tolls to Tehran would also be blocked. Vessels able to avoid Iranian ports will be permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has condemned the blockade as a “grave violation” of its sovereignty and threatened to target all ports in and close to the Persian Gulf if its own shipping hubs are threatened. Despite the escalating tensions, two fuel tankers attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by sailing close to the Iranian coast. International reaction has been mixed, with China warning the blockade threatens global trade and European countries declining to participate.