[Trump Says Blockade of Iran Has Begun] Golden Finance reported that on April 14, U.S. President Trump confirmed during a press briefing at the White House on the afternoon of April 13 local time that the U.S. military's 'blockade' of Iran has begun. Trump insisted that the U.S. 'does not need' the Strait of Hormuz but 'cannot allow a country to extort the entire world.' Trump also stated that many ships are heading to the U.S. to purchase 'sweet oil' (referring to low-sulfur crude oil), but the Strait of Hormuz issue may be resolved soon—according to him, the 'right people' from Iran called the U.S. that morning, expressing a 'desire to reach an agreement.' As per Trump's earlier threats, 10:00 AM Eastern Time on April 13 (10:00 PM Beijing Time) marked the effective time of the U.S. military's 'blockade order' on Iranian ports. (CCTV International News)