The administration said blockade measures in the Strait of Hormuz are fully in effect and that President Donald Trump may address Iran on July 16 as Washington seeks to pressure Tehran’s oil sales.
The White House said blockade measures in the Strait of Hormuz are fully in effect, highlighting an escalation around a critical global oil shipping route. The administration said President Donald Trump may address Iran in a speech to the nation on July 16 and that Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are “completely aligned” on Iran. The broader strategy, as described in the newer account, is to squeeze Tehran’s economy by curbing its ability to sell oil in hopes of changing Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran is portrayed as betting it can withstand the pressure. The immediate risk is that tougher measures deepen hardship for ordinary Iranians while leaving a damaging maritime stalemate in place.