The Strait of Hormuz is under a United States naval blockade as of Sunday morning, following an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at cutting off Iran’s maritime revenue.
The President announced the move on Truth Social, explicitly stating that any vessels attempting to pay Iran’s newly established passage tolls in Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency will be intercepted by the U.S. Navy.
The escalation comes as the White House takes a harder line against Beijing following reports that China has supplied military hardware to the Islamic regime.
During an appearance on Fox News “Sunday Morning Futures,” host Maria Bartiromo questioned the President on whether his recent threats of a 50% tariff were directed specifically at China.
READ: The Blockade Gamble: Trump Warns Gas Prices May Not Drop Soon As Naval Standoff Intensifies
“Yes, and other people, but yes, China too,” Trump told Bartiromo. The President noted he had seen reports of China providing “shoulder missiles” and anti-aircraft systems to Iran. While expressing some doubt that Beijing would continue such shipments due to his personal relationship with Chinese leadership, he issued a blunt warning. “If we catch them doing that, they get a 50% tariff, which is a staggering—that’s a staggering amount,” Trump said.
This policy shift follows intelligence indicating China was preparing to deliver advanced air-defense systems to Tehran. Recent combat losses in the region have heightened tensions, with Iran successfully downing one F-15E Strike Eagle. The U.S. military has also faced non-combat losses, including a KC-135 tanker crash in Western Iraq and three F-15Es accidentally destroyed by Kuwaiti air defenses.
Despite these losses, Trump dismissed the effectiveness of the Iranian military on social media, labeling their air defenses “useless.” He further announced that U.S. Navy vessels are now tasked with clearing Iranian mines from the shipping lanes.
The blockade is a direct response to Iran’s announcement on Thursday that it would limit passage through the Strait to 12 ships per day, provided they pay a toll. Iranian officials also claimed they did not know the exact locations of the mines laid in the waterway, a statement that prompted the U.S. move to secure the area.
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