Trump Orders Strait Blockade

US President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which millions of barrels of crude oil pass daily. The decision comes after peace negotiations between the US and Iran collapsed. In a social media post, President Trump stated that the US Navy would block the passage of vessels entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz. He added that ships paying tolls to Iran would be denied safe passage and that the US would commence mine-clearing operations in the strait.

President Trump warned that any Iranian forces firing on US troops "will be blown to hell." He also threatened to destroy Iran's power plants if Tehran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

The escalating military tensions have heightened uncertainty in financial markets. Stock price volatility for energy companies increased, and demand for safe-haven assets temporarily surged, reflecting geopolitical risks in the Middle East. The market's reaction intensity could vary depending on the actual implementation of the blockade and Iran's response level.