Trump Announces Full Blockade on Iran-Linked Shipping
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States would restore a full blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.
However, Trump clarified that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to all other commercial shipping.
The restrictions would apply only to ships connected to Iranian ports or carrying Iranian cargo.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Open to Most Ships
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the strategic waterway would remain accessible to international shipping, except for vessels linked to Iran.
He blamed Iran’s leadership for the renewed restrictions and warned that its current policies could lead to severe consequences.
The announcement narrowed the scope of the blockade compared with earlier concerns that the United States might restrict wider commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Prices Pull Back From Session Highs
Oil prices reduced part of their earlier gains after Trump clarified the policy.
Brent crude futures were last up approximately 0.8% at $84.01 per barrel.
Earlier in the session, the global oil benchmark had climbed as much as 5.1% to $87.55 per barrel.
The pullback suggested that traders were relieved the blockade would not apply to all vessels using the waterway.
Trump Drops Proposed 20% Shipping Fee
Trump also abandoned his earlier proposal for a 20% reimbursement fee on ships receiving U.S. protection while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Instead, the United States will pursue trade and investment agreements with Gulf countries.
The president said discussions with Middle Eastern leaders had been productive and that the proposed investments in the United States could be substantial.
He argued that the agreements would benefit both the Gulf states and the U.S. economy.
Gulf Trade Deals Replace Security Charge
The revised plan represents a major shift from Trump’s earlier proposal.
On Monday, he had suggested that commercial vessels should reimburse the United States for naval protection in the region.
The latest approach would replace direct shipping charges with broader economic agreements involving trade, investment and regional cooperation.
This change could reduce immediate concerns about higher transportation costs for oil and other goods passing through the strait.
U.S. Naval Blockade Remains Focused on Iran
The American naval operation will now target vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports.
It will also apply to ships carrying goods connected to Iran.
Neutral commercial vessels will continue to move through the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. protection, according to Trump’s announcement.
The policy is intended to increase pressure on Tehran without completely disrupting one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
U.S.-Iran Tensions Continue to Escalate
The comments came during the sharpest escalation between Washington and Tehran since the two sides reached an interim peace agreement in mid-June.
The United States and Iran have exchanged several rounds of strikes since the previous week.
The clashes followed reports that Iran had attacked commercial oil tankers in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Both governments have also issued statements claiming control over the strategic waterway.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical for Energy Markets
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil and gas transportation routes.
Any disruption to shipping could reduce global energy supplies, increase freight costs and push oil prices higher.
Trump’s decision to keep the strait open to most vessels eased some immediate concerns.
However, continued military escalation or attacks on commercial shipping could quickly renew pressure on global oil markets.
