Donald Trump: ""the naval blockade has been extremely effective""

At a Friday rally in South Carolina, President Trump defended U.S. actions around the Strait of Hormuz, describing the maritime interdiction against Iran as highly successful and asserting that the waterway is under American control. He said Tehran wants a deal but not on acceptable terms, and repeated his vow that Iran will never possess nuclear weapons. U.S. Central Command said American forces have rerouted 67 commercial ships, disabled three and boarded two since Aug. 20. Iranian officials rejected Trump's claims; one senior figure said Iran would correct what he termed a delusion. Trump separately announced sweeping economic measures against Iranian oil smuggling and financial networks. The area is a vital global energy corridor.