U.S. Reinstates Naval Blockade on Iran, Slated to Begin Tuesday

The United States is reinstating its naval blockade on Iran, according to an announcement by Donald Trump. The blockade is set to go into effect on July 14 at 4pm ET, as confirmed by a separate statement from the U.S. Navy.

The measure is a response to renewed clashes between the U.S. and Iran. The IRGC attacked another ship on Saturday, and the IRGC declared the strait 'closed until further notice.' In turn, U.S. conducted strikes on Iran on Saturday and Sunday. A U.S. defense official said the military has plans for additional strikes in the Hormuz area.

The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran.

Donald Trump wrote that the U.S. will be known as 'THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT' and will seek 20% reimbursement. However, a senior Gulf source told Axios the U.S. has not discussed tolls with allies. Abbas Araghchi responded, writing: '20% is of course too much. We will be fair.' Abbas Araghchi also claimed Iran has always been the guardian of the Strait.

A U.S. defense official said the southern route in the Strait of Hormuz is still open with at least 20 ships transiting. The U.S. Navy announced the blockade enforcement will begin on July 14 at 4pm ET. According to a The Navy statement, the blockade encompasses the entire Iranian coastline and applies to all vessels. Transit of ships to non-Iranian destinations will not be impeded, and humanitarian shipments like food and medical supplies will be permitted to Iranian ports subject to inspection.

The security and administration of the Strait of Hormuz are determined by Iran's will.

A An Iranian security official claimed Iran still controls the strait and will escalate response if the U.S. continues provocative behavior. Meanwhile, Iran's currency tumbled on renewed conflict. U.S. blockades ports and targets infrastructure as Donald Trump tries to force Tehran's hand over the Strait of Hormuz.