President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of decisiveness in U.S. maritime operations, stating that mine sweepers are actively clearing the waterways of the Strait of Hormuz. This operation is expected to take up to six months. Trump asserted that the U.S. maintains "total control" over the strait, claiming that no ships can enter or exit without approval from the U.S. Navy, and labeled the area as "sealed up tight" until a deal can be reached with Iran.
This statement comes in the wake of escalating tensions marked by the recent seizure of two vessels by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which named the ships as the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas. The Greek operator of the Epaminondas has confirmed that the vessel was taken by Iranian authorities, and efforts are underway to resolve the situation.
In response to Iran's claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz, including plans to impose tolls on passing vessels, Trump reiterated his commitment to a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. Central Command reported that since the blockade's initiation on April 13, it has directed 31 vessels to alter their course or return to port. Additionally, U.S. forces recently boarded a sanctioned ship in the Indian Ocean that was reportedly transporting oil from Iran.
These maritime developments occur amidst stalled peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Vice President J.D. Vance was expected to lead a U.S. delegation to Islamabad for talks, but progress remains uncertain as Iran has not confirmed its participation. Iranian officials attribute this hesitation to conflicting messages from the U.S. side, rather than indecision on their part.