WASHINGTON DC: A US blockade of Iranian ports has come into force, with President Donald Trump confirming that the operation began at 10:00 ET (14:00 GMT/15:00 BST).
Speaking at the White House, Trump said Iran was reportedly eager to reach an agreement, claiming he had received calls earlier in the day from “appropriate people” seeking a deal, according to BBC.
US Vice-President JD Vance accused the Iranian government of engaging in “economic terrorism,” alleging that it was disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
In a post on social media, Trump warned that any Iranian “fast attack ships” attempting to approach the blockade would be “immediately ELIMINATED,” escalating tensions further.
Earlier, Iran’s parliamentary speaker stated that the country would not “surrender under threats,” though Tehran has not yet responded to Trump’s latest remarks.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an advisory warning that vessels in the region could face a heightened military presence and “right-of-visit procedures” during transit.
Separately, the Pope responded to criticism from Trump over foreign policy, saying he had “no intention to debate” the issue, after Trump described him as “terrible for foreign policy.”
(Inputs from BBC)
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