President Donald Trump said the United States would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz and interdict vessels that have paid tolls to Iran, in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.
“Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said.
He added that the US Navy had been instructed to “seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran,” accusing Tehran of extortion.
“No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he said.
Trump also said the United States would begin destroying mines that he said Iran had laid in the waterway and warned of military retaliation if Iranian forces targeted US or commercial vessels.
“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” he said.
“Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully 'LOCKED AND LOADED,' and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!” he added.