US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States Navy will begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions after failed negotiations with Iran.
The directive was issued in a social media post shortly after US-Iran talks concluded without a deal in Islamabad.
Trump said that although discussions “went well” and several points were agreed upon, both sides failed to reach consensus on Iran’s nuclear program.
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He stated that the US Navy would “immediately” begin the process of blockading all ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
Trump also ordered US forces to interdict any vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran for passage through the strait, calling such payments “illegal” and warning that those ships would not be granted safe passage.
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The announcement follows the collapse of 21-hour negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that no agreement was reached, stating that Iran had refused to accept Washington’s key terms, particularly regarding long-term nuclear commitments.
Vance emphasized that the United States sought a clear assurance that Iran would not develop nuclear weapons or the capability to quickly achieve them. He added that the lack of agreement was “bad news for Iran” more than for the US.
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Iranian media, including the semi-official Tasnim news agency, reported that what it described as “excessive” US demands hindered progress in the talks. Iranian officials indicated that negotiations may continue, with technical teams expected to exchange documents.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global energy corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Any disruption in the region could have major implications for global energy markets and regional stability.
