United States President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to begin blocking the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme, in a move that has sharply escalated tensions in the Gulf region.
In a post on his Truth Social platform late on 12 April, Mr Trump said the United States would “BLOCKADE any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” describing the action as effective immediately.
“Effective immediately, the United States Navy will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The US military command responsible for operations in the Middle East, US Central Command, said early on Monday that implementation of the blockade would begin on 13 April at 10:00 US eastern time (14:00 GMT).
Mr Trump said diplomatic talks with Iran had made progress in some areas but ultimately failed to resolve what he called the core issue — Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
He added the United States was acting to prevent what he described as “world extortion,” directing naval forces to restrict movement through one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to international waters, is one of the most important oil transit routes in the world, with a large share of global petroleum shipments passing through it daily. Any disruption to traffic in the area is expected to have major consequences for global energy markets and shipping stability.
Mr Trump accused Iranian authorities of deliberately increasing tensions in the waterway, including claims that naval mines may have been deployed to intimidate commercial vessels. He described such actions as an attempt to exert pressure on global trade.
He also said US forces had been directed to intercept ships in international waters suspected of making payments to Iran for safe passage.
“No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he said, adding that American forces would begin clearing any suspected mines in the area.
The US president issued a stark warning to Tehran, saying American forces would respond forcefully to any attacks on US personnel or commercial shipping.
“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be blown to hell,” he said.
He added that other countries were expected to take part in enforcing the blockade, although he did not name any specific allies involved in the operation.
The announcement marks a significant escalation in already strained relations between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of potential military confrontation in the Gulf.
Iran has not yet issued an official response to the US decision at the time of reporting.
