Trump Orders Naval Blockade of Hormuz Strait

US President Donald Trump. File Photo

US President Donald Trump has ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions after Iran refused to scale back its nuclear programme during recent talks in Islamabad.

Despite describing the negotiations as largely productive, Trump said Tehran remained firm on its nuclear ambitions, prompting immediate action.

In a post on Truth Social, he announced that the US Navy would begin blocking all vessels attempting to enter or leave the strategic waterway. He also warned of strong retaliation against any hostile actions targeting US forces or commercial shipping.

The talks, held in Islamabad, ended without an agreement. US Vice President JD Vance left after discussions with an Iranian delegation led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Vance said Washington had presented what he described as its “final and best offer”, leaving the next move to Tehran.

Trump also accused Iran of failing to honour commitments to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, a key route for global oil shipments. He raised concerns over reports of naval mines in the area, warning that such threats could deter commercial vessels.

The strait has faced weeks of disruption following a US and Israeli bombing campaign against Iran. The US military also confirmed that two warships recently transited the route as part of a mine-clearing operation.