Trump Brings Back US Blockade of Iranian Ships
President Trump has reinstated a US blockade of Iranian ships. It targets ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military will begin enforcing it Tuesday at 20:00 GMT. Trump also wants a 20% fee on all cargo shipped through the strait.
He said the US will act as the strait's "guardian." Reports say the blockade covers the entire Iranian coastline. It does not affect ships going to non-Iranian destinations.
Humanitarian shipments will still be allowed. China asked for normal passage through the strait to be restored soon.
Iran said it will assert its own control over the strait. This is a response to the US blockade.
The United Nations shipping agency opposes any fees on Hormuz transit. The blockade follows the collapse of a recent US-Iran agreement.
That agreement broke down after Iran resumed attacks on commercial ships. The US also struck Iranian port cities.
Key Terms 3
- Strait of Hormuz A narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman used for oil shipping.
- International Maritime Organization A United Nations agency that regulates international shipping rules.
- memorandum of understanding A formal agreement between two countries that is not fully binding.