US naval blockade on Strait of Hormuz comes into effect
發佈日期: 2026-04-14 21:59
TVB News
A US naval blockade on maritime traffic in and out of Iranian ports came into effect from 10 p.m. Monday Hong Kong time. US President Donald Trump has threatened to "eliminate" any ship that comes close to the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian military called any US restrictions on international shipping an act of "piracy."
Iran's state broadcaster released footage which showed its naval forces warning an American destroyer to change course and leave waters east of the Strait of Hormuz.
An officer from Iran's Revolutionary Guards said: "Navy Warship 121. This is Sepah Navy Station. You must alter course and go back to the Indian Ocean immediately. If you don't obey my order, you will be targeted. Out."
The crew of the US destroyer said: "This is coalition warship 121. Engage in transit passage in accordance with international law. No challenges attended to you."
The footage did not specify the exact date.
Tehran declared last Saturday that several US military vessels passed through and then turned back after Iranians gave a stern warning.
The US blockade on the waterway began at 10 a.m. ET Monday, which stopped ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas in the strait.
US President Donald Trump met the press later in the day, saying the move is meant to stop Tehran from doing business and press for the reopening of the waterway.
"Iran is doing absolutely no business, and we're going to keep it that way, very easily. Don't forget, their navy is gone, their air force is gone. You know, a lot of tankers are coming up here. They are coming in empty and out full. And we have a great capacity to take care of that business."
Earlier, the president claimed in a social media post that the US had destroyed 158 vessels of the Iranian Navy.
Regarding 34 ships that crossed the strait, Trump has warned to immediately "eliminate" any ships that approach the US blockade, using the "same system of kill" that they use against so-called drug dealers on boats at sea.
Washington said ships from neutral countries are allowed to sail to and from non-Iran destinations, while those laidened with humanitarian materials will get the green light after being checked.
Data from the ship-tracking service MarineTraffic showed shortly after the Pentagon initiated the counter-blockade, at least two China-linked oil tankers urgently altered course while attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz.
One of the tankers was the Ostria sailing under the Botswana flag. The other one was the Malawi-flagged China-owned tanker Rich Starry which has been sactioned by the US.
Both tankers reportedly departed from a port in the United Arab Emirates and were en route to China.
