Donald Trump Orders Hormuz Blockade and Criticizes NATO Allies

President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from exporting crude oil and throttle its primary revenue source. The U.S. Navy is tasked with intercepting and commandeering vessels, with Trump stating the U.S. will sink any Iranian ships that approach the blockade. In response, a senior Iranian lawmaker warned that U.S. Navy vessels attempting to block Iranian ports would be sent to the bottom of the sea.

The move caused crude prices to rise by as much as 8% on Monday. Trump suggested that nations impacted by the blockade should purchase oil from the United States and Venezuela. While Republican Representative Mike Turner suggested the action forces allies to the negotiating table, the Government of the United Kingdom declined to join the blockade, citing the need to support freedom of navigation.

Trump also criticized South Korea, Japan, and NATO allies for refusing to support the U.S. in the war with Iran. In a Fox News interview, he compared UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's offer to send equipment after the war to a "Neville Chamberlain-type statement." Furthermore, Trump threatened a 50% tariff on any country, specifically mentioning China, that provides military equipment to Iran.