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Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has halted following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade on Iranian ports set to take effect at 1400GMT on Monday according to a London based maritime intelligence report.
The report said traffic already operating at reduced levels suddenly came to a standstill as vessels began reversing course in the Strait of Hormuz. It added that commercial movement through the key energy shipping route has effectively stopped.
Lloyd’s List stated the disruption followed escalating US mine clearing operations and accusations that Iran failed to meet commitments to reopen the waterway.
The announcement came after rare direct talks between Washington and Tehran held in Islamabad on Saturday aimed at ending the conflict that began on February 28. The discussions reportedly failed to produce any agreement.
The negotiations took place during a Pakistani mediated two week ceasefire announced earlier in the week.
Maritime analysts say the situation has created uncertainty for global energy supplies as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.