Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly endorsed the United States naval blockade of Iranian ports, signalling a broadening international coalition behind the enforcement action at the Strait of Hormuz.
In a video address to his cabinet on April 13, Netanyahu said: “President Trump decided to impose a naval blockade on them. We, of course, support this firm stance.”
Netanyahu also disclosed that he spoke with US Vice-President JD Vance on Sunday following the latest round of talks with Iran. According to the Israeli leader, Vance told him “the central issue is the removal of all enriched nuclear material and ensuring there is no more enrichment” — a condition Iran has repeatedly rejected.
Israel’s explicit backing adds diplomatic weight to the US blockade ordered by President Trump after the collapse of nuclear talks in Islamabad on April 12. The blockade, enforced by the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has already driven oil prices above $100 per barrel.
The endorsement comes as Iran faces increasing pressure from multiple fronts, with the IRGC warning that Persian Gulf and Oman ports are unsafe and the UK declining to support the blockade.
Sri Lanka, which depends heavily on Gulf shipping routes for fuel imports, faces continued supply uncertainty as the blockade escalates.
