U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced a naval blockade in and around the Strait of Hormuz following the conclusion of U.S.–Iran talks in Islamabad without an agreement.
He said the U.S. Navy had been instructed to intercept vessels linked to what he described as “illegal toll payments” to Iran and to block ships attempting to enter or leave the waterway.
Trump added that ships paying such tolls “will not have safe passage on the high seas,” and said U.S. forces would also move to destroy naval mines in the strait, warning of strong retaliation against any threats to American or commercial vessels.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Iran of failing to honour commitments to keep the vital shipping route open, alleging that uncertainty over possible naval mines had disrupted global trade and harmed Iran’s credibility.
Commenting on the Islamabad talks, he said discussions lasted nearly 20 hours and that while progress was made on several issues, the negotiations ultimately stalled over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which he described as the central point of contention. He reiterated that the United States would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
The U.S. President said he had been briefed by senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance and other envoys, on the Islamabad negotiations facilitated by Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, while also acknowledging Pakistan’s role in hosting the high-level talks.