Unable to accept defeat, Trump orders naval blockade of Hormuz

The United States has moved to sharply escalate the war with Iran after President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the breakdown of peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan over the weekend. 

The decision came after more than 20 hours of negotiations failed to produce an agreement. Trump said US forces would interdict vessels and restrict passage through the strategic waterway, aiming to cut off Iran’s oil revenues and increase economic pressure.

READ: China blames ‘illegal’ US-‘Israeli’ attacks for Hormuz disruption

“I have instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel… No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” Trump said, adding that US forces would also begin clearing mines allegedly placed by Iran.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says any military vessel that approaches the Strait of Hormuz will be considered in violation of the ceasefire and “will be dealt with severely.”

US Vice President JD Vance said Iran had refused to accept Washington’s terms, particularly regarding its nuclear program. Iranian officials, however, said progress had been made and blamed “excessive” US demands—especially over nuclear rights and control of the strait—for the collapse.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks with the US in Pakistan failed because of Washington’s “maximalism, shifting goalposts and blockade.”

READ: Iran says Strait of Hormuz “open but closed to enemies” as conflict intesifies

The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global oil shipments, and disruptions have already triggered volatility in energy markets and concerns over global supply chains.

Critics say the blockade risks further destabilizing the region and worsening economic conditions worldwide. Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) said Trump’s latest tirade is being used by oil companies to justify further price increases.

“Are we even surprised? Trump’s order to ‘blockade’ the Strait of Hormuz, signalling US intent to control the strait against Iran, has spooked the oil markets again and is being used to justify price hikes,” Reyes said.

“Trump has a penchant for making bad things worse and the global economy and oppressed peoples are suffering for it. We should closely monitor how this latest US provocation affects the fragile ceasefire.”

Experts have also warned that enforcing a blockade in such a heavily trafficked waterway could lead to direct military confrontation and prolonged disruption to global energy markets.