Iranian President Donald Trump has responded by announcing his own Strait of Hormuz blockade, which will also block Iran's oil exports. This follows Iran's refusal to meet America's demands in talks in Pakistan. The blockade is designed to counterbalance Tehran's attempts to charge a toll on all tankers crossing the Strait, which violate an American commitment to freedom of the seas. Despite this, Iran's rulers have responded with threats of a strong response to the US, arguing that their military assets can be eliminated easily. The US will escort ships through the Strait and potentially take control of Kharg Island if necessary, potentially leading to US forces to destroy Iran's power base. The Iranian hardliners behind this strategy face internal pressure from other regime factions.