US Announces Blockade of Hormuz Strait as Iran Threatens Retaliation

Donald Trump, President of the United States, has announced the start of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, drawing comparisons to earlier measures imposed against Venezuela. US Moves to Restrict Iranian Oil Shipping According to the U.S. Central Command, the blockade will apply to vessels of all countries entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. At the same time, "free passage” through the strait will remain for ships traveling to and from ports in other countries, provided they do not pay duties to Iran. Until now, Iran had exercised control over the strait through its own restrictive measures.