US President Donald Trump described the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as a highly profitable business during an event in Florida on Friday. He said Washington was seizing Iranian goods and oil as part of the blockade, comparing the operation to piracy but emphasizing that it was not a game. Trump defended the blockade by arguing that Iran had long used the strategic waterway as a weapon and had previously threatened to close it. He claimed that after Iran shut the strait, he responded by closing it for them.

Addressing ongoing nuclear talks with Iran, Trump stated that it might be better for the United States not to reach any deal, though he later added that the current situation could not be allowed to continue. The remarks came amid heightened tensions following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, which prompted Tehran to retaliate against US allies in the Gulf and close the strait.

A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistan’s mediation, and subsequent talks in Islamabad on April 11–12 ended without an agreement.