The US has threatened to 'vigorously prosecute' anyone who buys or sells sanctioned Iranian oil, the top Justice Department official has said as President Donald Trump announced the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The blockade, which was announced after the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad failed to reach an agreement on Sunday to end the war that began on February 28, will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas.
US Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a post on X, 'The Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who buys or sells sanctioned Iranian oil. The Department of Justice fully supports our Commander in Chief @POTUS and our military.'
Trump said the US blockade is an effort to stop Iran from policing the strait and benefiting economically while the rest of the world suffers from its closure.
He also announced that the US Navy will 'seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran.'
