U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday (July 13) that the United States was attacking Iranian capabilities related to the Strait of Hormuz and would continue military operations, while maintaining that a negotiated settlement with Tehran remained possible.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said U.S. forces were targeting assets linked to the strategic waterway.
"We are attacking them tonight, and we're taking out all of their capability for anything having to do with the Strait, with the Hormuz Strait," Trump said.
He also said the United States was restoring a blockade aimed at Iran.
"We're controlling the Strait. We're putting the blockade back," Trump said, adding that countries doing business with Iran would not be allowed through, while others would continue to have access.
Despite the escalation, Trump said he had not ruled out a deal.
Trump also said he wanted Gulf nations to reimburse the United States for helping protect the Strait of Hormuz and regional security.
"We are going to be reimbursed for protection," he said, citing Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait among countries benefiting from U.S. efforts.
