US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with Iran following the collapse of high-level negotiations in Pakistan.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said the talks had largely progressed but ultimately failed on what he described as the most critical issue, Iran’s nuclear programme.
“So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not,” Trump said.
He added that the United States Navy would “begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave” the strategic waterway, one of the world’s most important transit routes.
Trump accused Iran of effectively restricting free passage through the strait by raising concerns about naval mines, calling the situation “world extortion.” He said Washington would not allow vessels that had paid what he described as “illegal tolls” to Iran to pass unchallenged.
“I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran,” he said, warning that ships complying with such demands would not be granted safe passage.
The US president also signalled potential military action, stating that US forces would begin clearing mines allegedly placed by Iran and would respond forcefully to any attacks.
“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be blown to hell,” he said, adding that the US military was “locked and loaded.”
Trump further claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly degraded, asserting that its navy and air force were no longer effective, and that much of its leadership had been eliminated — claims that could not be independently verified.
He said the blockade would begin shortly and could involve other countries, while insisting that Iran “will not be allowed to profit” from what he described as unlawful actions in the waterway.
The remarks come after nearly 21 hours of intensive talks between US and Iranian officials in Islamabad ended without agreement, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse. Key sticking points included Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief, and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The escalation raises concerns about the security of global energy supplies and the risk of wider conflict in the region, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for international shipping.
There was no immediate response from Iranian officials to Trump’s latest remarks, but Tehran has previously rejected US demands as excessive and insisted it will defend its sovereignty and national interests.
