Original Source
US Initiates Hormuz Strait Blockade; Iran Condemns 'Economic Terrorism'
Strait of Hormuz Blockade and Trump's Warning
The United States has commenced a high-stakes blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian attack boats approaching the blockade would be immediately destroyed. Iran responded by threatening ports across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with its Ministry of Defense stating that foreign military efforts to police the strait would escalate the crisis and instability in global energy security. Ship tracking data indicated minimal traffic along the Strait of Hormuz as the blockade kicked in. However, Trump claimed 34 ships transited the strait, which was the highest number since it had been closed.
Iran Accused of 'Economic Terrorism'; Hezbollah Rejects Lebanon-Israel Talks
US Vice President J.D. Vance accused the Iranian government of engaging in an act of 'economic terrorism' by blocking traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump reiterated his warning that any Iranian fast attack ships attempting to approach the blockade would be immediately eliminated. While Iran's Parliament Speaker had earlier stated the country would not surrender under threats, there has been no direct response to Trump's latest remarks.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel a planned meeting with Israel in Washington. In a televised address, Qassem reiterated Hezbollah's rejection of direct negotiations with what he referred to as the group's foe. Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the U.S. are scheduled to meet in Washington to discuss direct negotiations. Qassem called the talks a ploy to pressure Hezbollah into laying down its arms.
*Source: YouTube: WION (2026-04-14)*
