U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that a U.S.-led blockade has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting earlier assertions that Iran was responsible for closing the critical oil transit route.
In a social media post, Trump accused Iran of violating a ceasefire agreement by firing at vessels, including ships linked to France and the United Kingdom, while asserting that American actions had already halted traffic through the strait.
Trump stated on Sunday, April 19th that the United States has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran is losing around $500 million each day because of it.
Trump spoke after Iranian forces fired on ships in the waterway, an action he called a breach of the ceasefire agreement reached in recent weeks.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. It is a key route for oil and gas shipments. Roughly one fifth of global oil supplies move through the narrow passage every day.
Ceasefire breach
Trump issued a direct warning to Iran. “No more Mr Nice guy!” he said in a statement reported by the Daily Mail. He added that Iran would face strong consequences if it did not take a deal.
Also Read: White House on Edge as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Force Trump Into Emergency Meeting
Iran had reopened the strait on Friday after the ceasefire announcement. Within 24 hours, it closed the passage again. Iranian officials said the move came in response to the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Reports confirmed that two Indian-flagged ships came under fire in the strait on Saturday. Iranian gunboats fired bullets to force the vessels to turn back. No injuries were reported.
Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran violated the ceasefire terms by firing in the waterway. He said the U.S. would keep its measures in place until a full agreement is reached.
U.S. officials have turned back ships trying to reach Iranian ports. The blockade remained active even after the ceasefire was declared.
Economic impact
Trump repeated his claim that Iran loses $500 million daily from the closed strait. Separate estimates put the daily revenue loss for Iran closer to $435 million, based on halted oil and petrochemical shipments.
Also Read: JD Vance Weighs in on What’s Really Happening with Pope Leo Amid Rift with Trump
The president said U.S. envoys held talks in Islamabad related to the dispute. He warned that further military action could follow if Iran rejects the terms on the table.
Iran has said it will keep control of the strait until the U.S. ends its blockade. Iranian state media described the U.S. actions as piracy.
Shipping activity in the area dropped sharply. Multiple incidents of gunfire and threats against merchant vessels have been recorded in the past seven weeks.
Why this matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. A long closure affects oil supplies to Asia, Europe, and other regions. Higher energy prices and delays in deliveries could follow if the situation continues.
The current standoff comes after seven weeks of conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Both sides have made public statements but have not reached a final deal.
The U.S. says the blockade stays until terms are met in full. Iran has threatened to maintain its position in the strait unless the naval measures are lifted. Further incidents could raise tensions and disrupt global trade routes.
