Trump Announces No Strait of Hormuz Fees, Imposes Naval Blockade on Iran

Former President Donald Trump addressed several Middle East issues on his social media platform, Truth Social. He praised the strength of the U.S. military, specifically mentioning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Keane, and Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper, crediting them for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to all shipping except Iranian vessels. Trump described Iran's leadership as deceitful and violent, justifying a full naval blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports or carrying Iranian-related cargo.

Trump also revealed a shift in U.S. policy regarding trade fees, stating he would replace a 20% tariff with new trade and investment deals involving Gulf states investing heavily in the United States. He emphasized that these investments would be historically large, creating millions of high-paying American jobs through new factories and manufacturing facilities.

On Iran's nuclear ambitions, Trump firmly stated that Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons, underscoring his commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation in the region. His remarks reflect ongoing tensions and strategic economic and military policies aimed at countering Iran's influence in the Middle East.