WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the U.S. Navy will begin blockading ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, hours after peace talks with Iran in Islamabad ended without an agreement.
Trump made the announcement in a post on his Truth Social platform. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote. He added that the Navy has been instructed to interdict vessels in international waters that have paid a toll to Iran.
The announcement follows the collapse of marathon negotiations in Pakistan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict involving Iran. U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, participated in the talks, which failed to produce a deal on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program. Details of the discussions remain limited, but both sides confirmed the sessions concluded without resolution.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil passing through the narrow waterway. Iran has previously laid mines in the area and demanded tolls from vessels transiting the strait, actions the U.S. has described as extortion.
In his post, Trump stated the blockade would involve other countries and that the Navy would also work to destroy mines laid by Iran. He warned that any Iranian forces firing on U.S. military or peaceful vessels would face severe consequences. “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he added.
U.S. Central Command had earlier reported that two Navy destroyers, the USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy, transited the strait on Saturday as part of efforts to clear mines and establish safer routes for merchant shipping.
Iranian officials have not yet issued a public response to the blockade announcement. The development comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire that began earlier this month.
As of Sunday evening, no immediate confirmation was available on the exact start time or operational details of the blockade. The Pentagon had not issued a separate statement by the time of publication.
The move risks further escalation in the region and potential disruption to global energy markets. Shipping companies and oil traders were monitoring the situation closely.
