US President Donald Trump has defended the decision to impose a naval blockade on Iran, saying the move is necessary to stop what he described as Tehran “blackmailing the world.”
Speaking after the start of the operation, Trump said the United States could not allow Iran to use its position in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure global markets and international shipping. “We can’t let a country blackmail or extort the world,” he said, adding that the blockade aims to force broader changes in Iran’s behavior.
The blockade, which began following the collapse of recent US-Iran negotiations, is designed to target vessels linked to Iranian ports and limit Tehran’s oil exports.
According to officials, the move is part of a wider strategy to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme and its actions in the Gulf. However, details on how strictly the blockade will be enforced remain unclear.
The decision has raised concerns about escalation, with Iran warning it could respond forcefully and calling the blockade a violation of international law.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy routes, carrying a significant share of global oil supply, meaning any disruption could have immediate global economic consequences.
Analysts say the blockade marks a sharp escalation in an already fragile situation, with risks not only for regional security but also for global energy markets in the weeks ahead.