President Trump warns Iran ‘cannot threaten’ US with Hormuz shutdown

Tensions are escalating in the Middle East as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, even firing upon passing ships. From the Oval Office, President Donald Trump stated that the naval blockade enforced by the U.S. will continue without interruption. A White House correspondent has provided updates on this deteriorating diplomatic and military standoff.

As of April 18, hundreds of civilian tankers find themselves stranded on both sides of the Strait due to Iran’s closure of this critical passage, which has halted traffic and left crew members trapped amid reports of gunfire and distressing experiences onboard.

The Strait of Hormuz is recognized as an international waterway by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, granting ships the right to transit through it. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies flow through this strait, marking it as a vital artery for the energy sector.

On the same day, the UK Maritime Trade Business (UKMTO) reported that an Iranian gunboat opened fire on a tanker while a projectile struck a container ship, leading to damage of its cargo.

The U.S. Central Command indicated that a guided-missile destroyer is one of the vessels involved in implementing blockade measures that affect Iranian ports.

Audio from maritime monitoring group TankerTrackers captured the moment a ship and its crew faced gunfire while approaching the strait. A crew member’s distress call revealed, “Motor tanker, Sunmar Herald! You gave me permission to leave… You’re firing now. Let me turn back!” Iranian state media confirmed that shots were aimed at the vessel to force it to retreat, prompting distress from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Hapag Lloyd, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, announced that they have established a crisis management team due to stranded crew members still aboard ships in the region. “We’ve been coordinating efforts since Friday afternoon to rescue the vessel, but it hasn’t worked out,” noted a senior director from the company. “There’s a real concern over the traumatic experiences these crew members are facing.”

“The crew is okay, but they’re growing increasingly impatient and frustrated. It’s unfortunate they couldn’t leave today,” he continued. “We have several ships anchored near Dubai Port, with crews hoping things improve.”

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps declared on April 18 that the strait will remain closed until the U.S. lifts its blockade, warning that any vessel lingering would be viewed as “enemy” collaborators.

Iran has previously maintained that sanctions impacting its oil exports and logistics are acts of “economic warfare,” asserting that their actions in the Strait of Hormuz are responses to external economic pressures. “Access to the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and ships that violate will be targeted,” stated the Revolutionary Guards through a news agency.

The United States has implemented measures against Iranian ports, pressuring Tehran to allow passage through the strait. U.S. Central Command indicated that these actions are being applied uniformly across all vessels.

Hapag-Lloyd remarked that its ships have been stuck for weeks since hostilities reignited with Iran on February 28. “Swift passage through the strait is crucial for us,” a company representative emphasized.

“We provide unlimited data to our crew so they can video call loved ones and access entertainment. Our crew is strong, but after weeks on board, monotony and frustration are setting in.” He added that one crew member experienced a fire onboard due to nearby explosions, while others witnessed missiles and drones in close proximity.

President Trump has stated his belief that Iran will not close the strait again, labeling the situation as “blackmail” and affirming that the U.S. will not relent.