US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned Iran it cannot “blackmail” Washington over the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions escalated following Tehran’s renewed closure of the strategic waterway.

Speaking at a White House event, Trump said the United States was engaged in “good talks” with Iran but maintaining a firm stance.

“We’re talking to them… they wanted to close up the strait again — as they’ve been doing for years — and they can’t blackmail us,” he said.

He added that further clarity on the situation, including prospects for a deal, would emerge later in the day. “We’re taking a tough stand,” Trump said.

Trump also claimed that US actions had “completely destroyed” Iran’s top military leadership, including its navy and air force. Referring to past operations, he said Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani had been targeted due to his alleged role in American casualties.

“They have no navy left, no air force, and no leadership,” he asserted.

Iran’s military earlier announced that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes, had once again been closed, a day after declaring it open.

According to foreign media reports, Iranian naval forces issued radio warnings to vessels, advising them to avoid the route due to the renewed closure.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) condemned what it described as a US naval blockade as “piracy” and a breach of commitments, and said it had tightened control over the waterway.

Iranian officials stated that restrictions would remain in place until the United States guarantees full freedom of navigation for vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said in a social media statement that the country’s naval forces were prepared to inflict further losses on adversaries. He said Iranian forces stood united and had exposed the “weakness and humiliation” of their enemies.

He added that Iranian drones and naval forces were capable of delivering swift and decisive blows against US and allied targets.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it is continuing a naval blockade targeting vessels linked to Iranian ports and coastal areas. It said 23 ships had so far been forced to turn back under US directives.

On the diplomatic front, Iran has yet to agree to a second round of talks with Washington.

Iranian media reported that officials warned negotiations would not proceed if the US continues to press what Tehran described as “excessive and unnecessary demands.”