Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced that the US will immediately begin reinstating the naval blockade on Iran. In a post on social media, Trump said Iranian ships will be prevented from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, while the US will ensure that all other countries have fair and open use of the waterway.

According to Qatar News Agency, Trump stated that the US will impose a 20 percent charge on cargo shipped in order to cover the costs of providing security and safe passage in one of the world's most volatile regions. In similar remarks to Fox News, Trump confirmed that the United States is reinstating the Iranian blockade and will apply the 20 percent charge on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the process "will begin immediately" without further details.

Trump noted that the US is investing significantly to protect the Strait and emphasized that "the international community" should contribute to financing the effort. He stressed that the US will guard the Strait and expects reimbursement for providing security. Trump mentioned that Iran's naval, air, and missile capabilities have been significantly impacted and listed the names of several Iranian commanders killed during the conflict.

Earlier, the US conducted strikes against Iran in the early hours of Monday in response to an attack targeting a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated that it struck dozens of targets at multiple locations using precision munitions to undermine Iran's ability to continue attacking international shipping through the Strait. It added that US forces remain ready to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping in the face of Iran's actions.