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Trump Orders Naval Blockade of Strait of Hormuz After Failed Iran Peace Talks
Photo Via Wand News
United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump announced an order to impose a naval blockade on access to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, after a collapse of high-stakes peace talks with Iran, April 12.
The decision came after 21 hours of negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials held in Islamabad, which ended without an agreement.
The dispute centred on Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions and disagreements over control of the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% to 26% of global seaborne oil trade and over 20% of liquified natural gas (LNG) supply daily.
Any disruption to traffic in the strait has immediate consequences for oil prices, global energy supplies, shipping routes, and international trade.
Speaking at a press briefing late Sunday, Mr. Trump described the move as a “necessary step to protect American interests and ensure stability in the Middle East.”
He also announced that the U.S. Navy would begin enforcing a blockade “effective immediately,” targeting vessels linked to Iran and preventing ships from entering or exiting Iranian ports.
“The U.S. Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” he said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) later clarified that the blockade would come into effect at 10am ET (11pm PHT).
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said its forces would “begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in accordance with the President’s proclamation.”
“The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas,” they added.
However, CENTCOM noted that it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the strait.
“CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports,” the statement said.
Oil prices rose in early market trading after Mr. Trump announced a blockade. The price of U.S. crude oil rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel while the Brent crude oil rose 7% to $102.29.