U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday the U.S. Navy would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz and interdict vessels in international waters that paid tolls to Iran, marking a sharp escalation after talks failed to end the war.
Trump made his remarks in a Truth Social post hours after U.S-Iran peace talks ended without a deal. Trump said the meeting "went well, most points were agreed," but added the two sides had not agreed on Iran's nuclear program.
"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," said Trump, who is strongly opposed to the idea of Iran charging ships a toll to pass through the strait.
"I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas," he said.
"Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!" he added. Each side had earlier blamed the other for the failure of talks to end six weeks of fighting that has killed thousands, roiled the global economy and sent oil prices soaring.
