Trump Finds Support On Iran Decision

President Donald Trump is intensifying his administration’s pressure campaign against Iran by restoring the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and imposing new restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The move has earned support from former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who says the president made the right decision as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.

Esper, who served as defense secretary during Trump’s first term, said Monday that reestablishing the blockade is a necessary step to counter Iran’s growing aggression.

Speaking during an appearance on CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront, Esper said he believes the administration’s latest actions are justified.

“I agree with the president. I think it’s the right move to reinstate the blockade,” Esper said.

Trump Restores Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports

Earlier Monday, President Trump announced that the United States is once again enforcing a naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said American forces are restoring what he called “the Iranian Blockade,” explaining that the operation is aimed exclusively at preventing Iranian vessels—or ships conducting business with Iran—from entering or departing the country’s ports.

Trump emphasized that commercial traffic from other nations will continue to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz.

The president also declared that the United States will now serve as “The Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,” highlighting America’s commitment to protecting one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

New Shipping Toll Announced

Along with restoring the blockade, Trump announced that his administration will impose a 20 percent shipping toll on vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement follows a sharp increase in military tensions after Iranian forces allegedly attacked three commercial vessels operating in the region. Those attacks were followed by military exchanges between the United States and Iran over the past week.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s busiest energy corridors, with a significant share of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway each day. Any disruption there has the potential to affect international trade and energy markets.

CENTCOM Resumes Maritime Operations

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it will officially resume blocking maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports beginning Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Military officials also highlighted the results of the previous blockade, which lasted from April 13 through June 18.

According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces:

• Redirected more than 140 vessels that complied with U.S. instructions.
• Disabled nine non-compliant ships.
• Allowed more than 50 humanitarian vessels to continue their missions without interference.

Officials say those operations were designed to limit Iran’s maritime activity while minimizing disruptions to humanitarian shipping.

Trump Extends Military Operations Against Iran

Last week, President Trump formally notified Congress that U.S. military operations against Iran resumed on July 7, complying with the reporting requirements of the War Powers Resolution.

The notification provides the Pentagon with an additional 60 days to continue military operations before further congressional authorization would generally be required under federal law.

The administration has argued that the renewed military campaign is necessary to protect American interests, maintain freedom of navigation, and respond to attacks targeting international shipping.

Esper Calls for Even More Pressure on Tehran

While supporting the military operation, Esper argued that military force should be paired with sustained economic pressure.

He said the administration should continue tightening sanctions and other financial measures aimed at weakening Iran’s economy and limiting the regime’s ability to fund its military and nuclear activities.

The Treasury Department has already expanded sanctions targeting Iran’s government along with companies accused of facilitating the country’s oil exports.

Former Defense Secretary Wants Nuclear Agreement Scrapped

Esper also urged President Trump to abandon the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last month with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to Esper, the agreement does not do enough to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and delays many of the most significant issues instead of resolving them.

He argued that the administration should withdraw from the agreement entirely and return to a strategy of maximum economic and diplomatic pressure.

Esper said he believes increasing leverage—not making additional concessions—offers the strongest path toward preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear program.

Why This Matters

The renewed blockade marks one of the Trump administration’s most aggressive actions against Iran in recent months and signals a tougher approach toward Tehran’s military and nuclear ambitions.

Supporters argue the strategy strengthens American national security, protects vital international shipping lanes, and increases pressure on the Iranian regime. Critics, however, warn that continued military and economic escalation could raise the risk of a broader regional conflict.

With U.S. military operations expanding, new sanctions taking effect, and maritime restrictions once again in place, global attention will now focus on Iran’s next move—and whether diplomacy or further confrontation lies ahead.