US President Donald Trump declared the return of a naval blockade on Iranian ports on Monday, saying Washington would impose hefty fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz as fighting once again flared over the vital waterway.
In a counter to Trump, Iran's military command insisted it would not allow the US to "interfere" in the key conduit for oil and gas, while also warning its Gulf neighbours — who have borne the brunt of Tehran's attacks — against cooperating with Washington.
