US imposes Hormuz blockade over Iran nuclear standoff

Donald Trump on Sunday ordered a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, citing Iran’s “unyielding” refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions during peace talks in Islamabad.

Although he noted that the prolonged negotiations in Pakistan had gone “well” and that “most points were agreed to,” Trump said Tehran had declined to compromise on its nuclear programme.

“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,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!”

JD Vance departed Pakistan without securing an agreement following weekend talks with a delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf—the highest-level engagement between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran’s team also included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

“We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it,” Vance told reporters.

In two extended posts on Truth Social, Trump criticised Iran for pledging to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial maritime route through which roughly a fifth of global crude oil supplies pass—and “knowingly” failing to follow through.

“They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their ‘mine droppers,’ have been completely blown up. They may have done so, but what ship owner would want to take the chance?” Trump said.

Iran has effectively restricted access to the strait for several weeks, following a bombing campaign launched by the United States and Israel against the Islamic republic more than six weeks ago.

On Saturday, the US military confirmed that two American warships had passed through the waterway as part of the initial phase of a mine-clearing operation.