Trump warns Iran it ‘can’t blackmail’ US with Hormuz closure
Fox Information studies on heightened tensions within the Center East as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reaffirms strict management over the Strait of Hormuz and fires on passing ships. President Donald Trump, talking from the Oval Workplace, states the US naval blockade will stay in full pressure. White Home correspondent Alex Hogan offers updates on the escalating diplomatic and army standoff.
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A whole bunch of economic tankers are stranded on either side of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran shut the vital chokepoint on April 18, halting site visitors and leaving crews trapped amid studies of gunfire and “traumatic experiences” on board.
The Strait of Hormuz is taken into account a global waterway beneath worldwide regulation, by which ships have the precise of transit passage, in accordance with the United Nations Conference on the Regulation of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil provide passes by the Strait of Hormuz, making it a vital chokepoint for world vitality markets, in accordance with the U.S. Power Info Administration.
The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) mentioned Iranian gunboats opened fireplace on a tanker the identical day, whereas a projectile struck a container vessel, damaging cargo.
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U.S. Central Command mentioned Tuesday that “U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the many property executing a blockade mission impacting Iranian ports.” (CENTCOM)
Audio launched by maritime monitoring group TankerTrackers seems to seize the second a vessel and its crew got here beneath fireplace whereas approaching the strait, together with a misery name from a crew member.
“Sepah Navy! Motor tanker Sanmar Herald! You gave me clearance to go… you’re firing now. Let me flip again!” the crew member may be heard saying within the recording, in accordance with TankerTrackers.
Iranian state media confirmed that pictures have been fired close to vessels to pressure them to show again, whereas the Ministry of Exterior Affairs of the Authorities of India mentioned the international secretary was deeply involved.
Hapag-Lloyd, the world’s fifth-largest container delivery line, advised Fox Information Digital that it had activated a disaster crew as its crews stay caught on board vessels within the area.
“We now have been working from Friday afternoon till at present with your entire disaster crew to convey the vessels out — in useless, sadly,” mentioned Nils Haupt, senior director of group communications at Hapag-Lloyd AG.
“These occasions can simply result in traumatic experiences. There may be additionally a major threat from sea mines, which has made insuring vessels for passage by the Strait almost inconceivable.”
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“The crews are nicely, however they’re turning into more and more impatient and annoyed. It is rather unlucky that we couldn’t go away at present,” he added. “Many ships are nonetheless caught within the Persian Gulf.”
“Our six ships are anchored close to the port of Dubai, and all crews hope for an enchancment within the state of affairs,” Haupt mentioned.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) mentioned on April 18 that the strait would stay closed till the U.S. lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, warning ships to not transfer from anchorage or threat being handled as “enemy” collaborators.
Iran has beforehand argued that restrictions on its oil exports and delivery quantity to “financial warfare,” framing actions within the Strait of Hormuz as a response to international strain on its financial system, in accordance with statements from Iranian officers and state media in previous incidents.
“Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will probably be thought of cooperation with the enemy, and any violating vessel will probably be focused,” the IRGC mentioned in an announcement carried by the semi-official Tasnim Information Company.
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Fishing boats dot the ocean as cargo ships, within the background, sail by the Arabian Gulf towards the Strait of Hormuz off the United Arab Emirates, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Picture)
The US imposed the blockade on Iranian ports to strain Tehran to reopen the strait, with U.S. Central Command saying the measures are being enforced “impartially in opposition to all vessels.”
Hapag-Lloyd mentioned its vessels have been caught for weeks following the preliminary closure after the outbreak of conflict with Iran on Feb. 28.
“For us, it’s vital that our vessels can pass through the strait quickly,” Haupt mentioned.
“We provide all crew members limitless knowledge to allow them to video name family members and entry leisure. Crews are robust, however after weeks on board there may be rising monotony and frustration.”
“One crew skilled a fire on board from bomb fragments. Others have seen missiles or drones close to their vessels,” he added.
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“They’re resilient, however every further day makes the state of affairs tougher, extra monotonous, and extra traumatic.”
President Donald Trump mentioned Iran had agreed to not shut the strait once more however after the closure, Trump known as the state of affairs “blackmail” and mentioned the U.S. wouldn’t again down.
