Trump says U.S. will blockade Iran in Strait of Hormuz and will charge ships for safe passage

📌 Summary:

• U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. is "reinstating" a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz after a heavy exchange of fire threatened peace negotiations
• On social media, he said Iranian ships would no longer be able to travel through the Strait and the U.S. would charge a 20% toll on eligible cargo
• The move follows failed peace talks and an intensification of the U.S.-Iran conflict

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2/GS3 — West Asia geopolitics, energy security, and maritime chokepoints; direct implications for India's oil imports and shipping costs

📝 Prelims Facts:

• The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman/Arabian Sea and carries a major share of global seaborne crude oil
• It lies between Iran (north) and Oman/UAE (south)

🔑 Key Term: Strait of Hormuz — a strategic maritime chokepoint critical for global oil and LNG shipments