US President Donald Trump announced the resumption of a naval blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and threatened Tehran with new strikes in the coming hours. Against this backdrop, Iran rejected Washington's statements, and tensions in the region continue to escalate. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to Trump, the United States intends to ensure free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had previously declared closed.
"The Strait of Hormuz is open and will remain open — with or without Iran. We are restoring the blockade of Iran," the American leader wrote on Truth Social.
Trump also stated that the US would act as "guardians of the Strait of Hormuz" and intends to charge 20% of the value of all cargo passing through this strategically important route.
According to the US Combined Maritime Information Center, the blockade is to take effect on Tuesday and will cover the entire Iranian coast, including ports and oil terminals. Neutral vessels bound for other countries, as well as humanitarian cargo, are promised not to be hindered.
Tehran said Washington has no right to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran is the guardian of the strait and called Trump's statement about a 20% fee unfounded.
In turn, the UN International Maritime Organization stated that international law does not provide for mandatory tolls for passage through international straits.
Later, the US president made even harsher statements. He said that US forces could launch new strikes on Iranian territory as early as tonight.
"We will hit them very hard tonight, and we will hit them hard tomorrow. And they can't do anything about it. They have nothing but loud words," Trump said.
According to the American leader, one possible target could be the underground nuclear facility Pickaxe Mountain. He also did not rule out the possibility of eliminating the current leadership of Iran.
Against the backdrop of Washington's statements, mutual attacks between the sides continue.
US Central Command reported strikes on military targets in Iran. Tehran said it retaliated by attacking US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as striking military infrastructure in the region.
According to Iranian authorities, people were killed as a result of US attacks. Bahrain, in turn, reported intercepting several Iranian missiles and drones.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world's most important maritime routes. Before the current conflict, about 20% of global oil and gas supplies — over 15 million barrels of fuel per day — passed through it daily. Any restrictions on navigation in this area could significantly impact global energy prices and international trade.