13.04.2026 11:06
U.S. President Donald Trump stated regarding the maritime blockade they announced for all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, "Other countries are working to ensure that Iran does not sell oil, and this will be very effective."
Trump answered questions from the press regarding the agenda at Joint Base Andrews Airport in Maryland, USA.
Expressing that there are "very good" developments regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump claimed that the temporary ceasefire established with the Iranian side is also "holding strong."
"OTHER COUNTRIES ARE TRYING NOT TO PREVENT IRAN FROM SELLING OIL"
Referring to the blockade they announced will start at Iranian ports at 5:00 PM Turkey time, Trump stated, "Other countries are working to ensure that Iran does not sell oil, and this will be very effective."
Claiming that many vessels are heading towards the USA to buy oil, Trump asserted that his country has more oil than the total of Russia and Saudi Arabia, and therefore other countries do not need to use the Strait of Hormuz.
"IRAN IS IN A VERY BAD SITUATION"
Conveying that Iran continues to be willing regarding "nuclear weapons" in the negotiations on April 11, Trump said, "I think Iran is in a very bad situation. I think they are very desperate."
In response to a question about how long he would wait for the Iranian side to return to negotiations, Trump stated that he "doesn't care whether they return or not."
On the other hand, when asked about his social media posts regarding Vatican President Pope Leo XIII, Trump replied, "I am not a big fan of Pope Leo. He is a very liberal person and a man who does not believe that crime should be prevented."
THE BLOCKADE WILL START AT 5:00 PM TURKEY TIME
The Washington and Tehran administrations had conducted negotiations in Islamabad through Pakistan on April 11.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had announced that it would initiate a maritime blockade against all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports at 5:00 PM Turkey time.