rki.news | Anadolu Agency
US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the United States will impose a naval blockade on “any and all ships” attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz after unsuccessful talks with Iran in Islamabad aimed at ending weeks of escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Trump said the blockade would begin “shortly” and involve other countries, adding that Iran would not be allowed to “profit off this illegal act of extortion” over restrictions on shipping through the strategic waterway.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, he said he had ordered the US Navy to intercept vessels in international waters that have allegedly paid tolls to Iran. Efforts to clear mines in the Strait would also begin immediately.
Trump claimed Iran refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions during negotiations and said he was briefed by Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and advisor Jared Kushner.
He said some agreed points were preferable to continued military operations but stressed that preventing nuclear capability in Iran remained the priority.
Trump warned that any attack on US forces or civilian vessels would face a strong military response, adding that US forces were “locked and loaded.”
He further claimed Iran’s naval and air capabilities had been significantly weakened and reiterated that military operations could continue if necessary.
The announcement marks a sharp escalation after diplomatic efforts in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement between Washington and Tehran.