American forces have issued a stark warning to vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to “prepare to be boarded” as the US military enforces Donald Trump’s naval blockade of Iranian ports. US Central Command released audio of the warning on Wednesday, even as Trump claimed he was “permanently opening” the strait following secret talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. “The US has announced a formal blockade of Iranian ports in coastal areas,” a military officer says in the recording. “This is a legal action. All vessels are advised to immediately return to port if leaving, and discontinue transit to Iran if that is your next port of call, do not attempt to breach the blockade.” The officer warned that any vessel breaching the blockade “will be boarded for interdiction and seizure” and that “we will use force.” Trump’s contradiction The US military’s warning appears to sit in direct conflict with Trump’s post on Truth Social, in which he claimed the strait was “permanently open” after reaching an agreement with Xi to stop China arming Iran. …