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Trump warns he will destroy Iranian ships as US blockade of Strait of Hormuz begins

A US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz targeting traffic to and from Iranian ports began Monday and President Trump warned he would eliminate any Iranian ship that approached the blockade, while Iran vowed a firm response.

Apr 13th 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • The United States imposed a naval blockade on ships arriving from or departing to Iranian ports that took effect on Monday.
  • President Donald Trump said any Iranian ship approaching the US blockade would be destroyed using the same methods used against drug traffickers at sea.
  • Trump asserted that most of Iran's navy has been destroyed and that anti-smuggling actions stopped the vast majority of maritime drug flows, statements presented as his claims.
  • Iran announced it will respond firmly to the US naval blockade and threats against its vessels.

Sources