US Initiates Strait of Hormuz Blockade, Intercepts Iranian-Taxed Vessels

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US Navy would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz immediately following US-Iran peace talks, which concluded without a deal. The president stated that while the meeting went well and most points were agreed upon, no agreement was reached regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump emphasized his strong opposition to Iran charging ships tolls to pass through the strait. He directed the Navy to seek out and intercept any vessel in international waters that has paid such a toll, asserting that vessels paying illegal tolls will not be granted safe passage on the high seas.