Trump Orders U.S. Blockade of Iranian Ports, Vows to Kill Warships Near Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. military has begun a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas.

Trump warned that Iranian warships that come anywhere close to the U.S. blockade will be destroyed by a quick and brutal strike.

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The blockade went into effect at 10 a.m. ET, with U.S. Central Command stating it will allow ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz if traveling between non-Iranian ports.

Iran's armed forces accused the U.S. of piracy and said the country's ports are either for everyone or for no one.

The European Union does not support any action that curtails free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's forensic chief said more than 3,000 people had been killed in the country since strikes began Feb. 28.

The Guardian reported that at least 1,701 civilians, including 254 children, had been killed in Iran as of Wednesday.

Aaj English TV

In Lebanon, more than 2,000 people had been killed in the latest fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Thirteen U.S. service members had been killed, and two more died of noncombat causes.

The conflicting tolls underscored the fog of war that has enveloped the region.

Despite the blockade, the U.S. and Iran were still communicating.

Trump said Tehran is seeking to make a deal very badly.

Iranian President Pezeshkian told Macron that unreasonable U.S. demands prevented an agreement.

The U.N. secretary-general called for resumption of talks, saying there is no military solution.

Trump said the sticking point was the nuclear enrichment issue.

Oil prices again topped $100 a barrel as the Strait of Hormuz became effectively closed.

The German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd told the BBC that the blockade was causing significant disruption.

ABC News

The IMF, World Bank, and IEA warned the war's damage to energy markets could push the global economy into recession.

Gasoline prices increased 21.2% in March's Consumer Price Index.