Trump reimposes Iran naval blockade, drops 20% Hormuz toll as US widens military action
ADVERTISEMENT
US President Donald Trump has reimposed a naval blockade on Iran while shelving his proposed 20% toll on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US resumed its naval blockade targeting merchant vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports at 4 p.m. US Eastern Time on July 14 (1.30 a.m. IST on July 15), according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in West Asia.
Trump's latest move came hours after he announced that the proposed 20% toll on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be dropped in favour of what he described as "massive" trade and investment agreements with Gulf states. The decision removed the prospect of higher shipping costs through one of the world's busiest energy corridors but was accompanied by a sharper military posture against Iran.
In its latest operational update, CENTCOM said US forces completed another round of strikes against Iran at 10 p.m. ET on July 14, targeting dozens of military installations near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran's coastline.
According to the military command, US fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels launched precision-guided munitions against Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defence systems during a seven-hour operation. The objective, it said, was to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian maritime traffic.
CENTCOM said the strikes coincided with the resumption of the naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas.
The latest offensive adds to a rapid US military build-up across the region. Earlier this week, CENTCOM said more than 50,000 US service members are deployed across the Middle East, supported by nearly 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft operating from 19 military bases across the region.
In a post on X on Wednesday, the command said, "There are currently more than 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East. American forces remain vigilant, lethal and ready."