The United States President Donald Trump has made a shocking announcement, reinstating a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and threatening to charge other ships for safe passage.
The move comes after the US received intelligence that Iran was plotting to assassinate Trump during his visit to Turkey, prompting him to return on the older Air Force One.
According to reports, senior Iranian officials thought last week's NATO summit was a major opportunity to kill Trump, and the US Secret Service was concerned the new aircraft, donated by Qatar, did not have all the security features of the old plane.
Trump switched planes on the way home from the NATO summit without explanation, and the reporters were instructed to close the window shades during take-off.
The President declared at the NATO summit that 'they [Iran] want to take out the US leader – me. I'm on every list. I'm on every single one of their lists, and so far I guess I've been a little bit lucky, but that maybe doesn't last very long, because that's the way it goes.'
The US had until now said the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to all without tolls, as it was before the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. However, exchanges of fire in recent days, sparked by Iranian attacks on ships, had already cast further doubt on the interim peace deal reached last month.
The US President said on social media that 'we are reinstating THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE. All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.' He added that the US would be 'reimbursed' by 20% of the value of cargo to help cover 'any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security.'
Iran has asserted it has the right to manage traffic through the strait and potentially charge fees in accordance with the interim peace deal. It has vowed to fight back against any US interference.
The situation remains tense, with the US and Iran locked in a bitter standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching with bated breath, waiting to see how the situation will escalate.
The United States and Iran have a long history of conflict, and the current situation is no exception. The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, and since then, the situation has continued to deteriorate.
The US has imposed harsh sanctions on Iran, and the country has vowed to fight back against any US interference. The situation remains tense, and it is unclear what the future holds for the region.
