The President announced on Monday that he will address the nation Thursday evening at 9 p.m. Eastern.
The statement came as the U.S. military confirmed it will resume a naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz beginning July 14 at 4 p.m. Eastern.
The decision follows a series of attacks on Iranian military targets over the weekend, which were carried out in response to Iran’s strike on a commercial vessel in the strait.
In remarks to a news outlet, the President said the United States is taking control of the strait and dismissed Iran’s diplomatic efforts as ineffective.
He added that past administrations had allowed Iran to grow more powerful and implied a stronger U.S. stance was now required.
U.S. Central Command issued a press release outlining the operational details of the blockade. Forces will enforce restrictions on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, while allowing passage for ships not violating the measures.
During the earlier blockade period from April 13 to June 18, more than 140 compliant vessels were redirected, nine non‑compliant ships were disabled, and over 50 commercial vessels delivering humanitarian aid were permitted to pass.
Mariners are instructed to monitor official notices and maintain communication with U.S. naval forces on bridge‑to‑bridge channel 16 when operating near the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
Additional guidance will be provided to commercial operators through a formal notice.
