President Donald Trump announced that the United States Navy will begin an immediate blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after high-level peace talks with Iran in Pakistan ended without agreement.
The decision follows negotiations in Islamabad that collapsed over disagreements on Iran’s nuclear program, despite progress on other issues.
The move comes amid an already fragile two-week ceasefire and rising concerns about renewed escalation in a region critical to global energy supplies.
The negotiations, brokered by Pakistan, marked the most significant engagement between U.S. and Iranian officials in decades but failed to resolve core disputes.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the talks broke down over Iran’s refusal to commit to abandoning its nuclear ambitions.
Iranian officials, however, cited a lack of trust, saying past conflicts undermined confidence in U.S. intentions.
Trump described the outcome as partial progress but emphasized that the unresolved nuclear issue rendered the talks ineffective.
In public statements, he accused Iran of “extortion” and declared, “THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION,” framing Tehran’s control over the waterway as unacceptable.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass, has seen sharply reduced traffic, amplifying economic pressure worldwide.
Trump said the U.S. Navy would block all ships entering or leaving the strait and intercept vessels that have paid tolls to Iran.
He also warned that any hostile action by Iranian forces would be met decisively, stating they would be “BLOWN TO HELL.”
The administration indicated that additional countries, including the United Kingdom, may assist in mine-clearing operations, though confirmation remains unclear.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded by warning that military vessels approaching the strait would be treated as ceasefire violations.
Despite tensions, Iran has continued limited shipping operations and signaled plans to formalize a toll system after hostilities.
The blockade announcement has raised alarms among regional actors, with mediators urging continued diplomacy to prevent further destabilization.
Analysts note the development risks undermining the ceasefire and intensifying economic disruptions tied to energy markets.