New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the United States would begin a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz “effective immediately,” marking a sharp escalation in tensions with Iran following the collapse of high-level talks in Pakistan.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “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 (sic).” He added that Washington had “instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran.”
The US president further described Iran’s actions in the vital waterway as “world extortion,” saying, “leaders of countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted.”
The announcement came hours after talks between US and Iranian officials in Islamabad ended without agreement, with both sides failing to bridge differences over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues.
US officials said the blockade would involve American naval forces preventing ships from entering or exiting the narrow strait, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes.
Trump also warned that US forces would act against vessels deemed to be cooperating with Iran’s toll system, stating that “no one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.”
The move follows weeks of escalating confrontation in and around the Gulf, including Iranian threats, reported mining activity in the waterway, and attacks on shipping.
Iran has maintained that its actions in the Strait of Hormuz are defensive and tied to broader regional tensions, while accusing Washington of coercion and unlawful military escalation.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a strategic chokepoint for global energy markets, and any disruption has immediate implications for oil prices and international trade flows. Analysts say a sustained blockade could trigger a wider economic shock and increase the risk of direct military confrontation.
Trump’s announcement also appeared to reverse earlier efforts to stabilise the region, including a ceasefire initiative earlier this month aimed at reopening maritime traffic.
There was no immediate confirmation from the Pentagon on the scale or timeline of the operation. Diplomatic channels remain formally open, but neither Washington nor Tehran has announced plans to resume negotiations.
The blockade declaration underscores the widening gap between the two countries, with Israel’s influence on the nuclear issue, sanctions, and control of the Strait of Hormuz continuing to dominate the standoff. Israel’s war on Iran has cost Israel USD 11.52 billion, as per a preliminary estimate of the Israeli finance ministry.
