US destroyer interdicts two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran

A U.S. destroyer interdicted two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran on Tuesday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump's blockade went into effect, and instructed them to turn around, a U.S. official said.



The ships had left Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman and were contacted by the warship via radio communication, the official said. It was unclear whether any further warnings were given.



The disclosure adds further detail to the start of Trump's blockade, which aims to pressure Iran to end its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point for about 20% of the world's oil.



Trump is hoping the blockade will force Iran to accept America's terms for ending a war launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, including opening up the Strait of Hormuz. Trump says that was also a condition of a week-old ceasefire with Iran due to expire next week.