Trump: U.S. to blockade Strait of Hormuz after Iran peace talks falter

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(The Center Square) – The U.S. Navy will blockade the Strait of Hormuz after Vice President J.D. Vance left Pakistan without a peace deal with Iran, President Donald Trump said Sunday.

Taking to social media, Trump said because Iran would not give up its nuclear ambitions, the blockade of the major international oil passageway was necessary. 

"So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not," Trump wrote, referring to Vance's negotiations. "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."

Trump continued: 

"At some point, we will reach an 'ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT' basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen by merely saying, 'There may be a mine out there somewhere,' that nobody knows about but them. THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted."

Trump said the U.S. Navy "will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits" and that other countries will help with the blockade.

"Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL! Iran knows, better than anyone, how to END this situation which has already devastated their Country. Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft and Radar are useless, Khomeini, and most of their 'Leaders,' are dead, all because of their Nuclear ambition. The Blockade will begin shortly," Trump wrote.

Oil and gas prices have soared since the U.S. and Israeli-led bombings of Iran began Feb. 28. The Strait of Hormuz usually sees about 20% of the world's oil and natural gas pass through it, but Iran has essentially closed it by threatening any unapproved vessels that try to go through.