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.
In a further development, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces would begin implementing the blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports from April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in line with the President’s directive.
CENTCOM said the measures would be applied impartially to vessels of all nations operating to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, while clarifying that freedom of navigation would not be impeded for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.
The command added that further guidance would be issued to commercial shipping through formal notices ahead of the implementation, advising mariners to monitor official broadcasts and maintain communication with U.S. naval forces when operating in the region.