Donald Trump has directed the United States Navy to begin a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s continued refusal to abandon its nuclear programme during peace talks in Islamabad.
Although he admitted that negotiations had gone “well” and that “most points were agreed to,” Trump said Tehran stood firm on its nuclear position.
“Effective immediately, the United States 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 wrote on Truth Social.
“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!”
US Vice President JD Vance departed Pakistan without reaching an agreement after talks with Iran’s delegation led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was also part of the discussions.
“We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it,” Vance told reporters.
In further remarks, Trump accused Iran of failing to reopen the strategic waterway, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.
“They say they put mines in the water… They may have done so, but what ship owner would want to take the chance?” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely inaccessible for weeks following sustained military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The US military recently confirmed that two of its warships had entered the strait to begin mine-clearing operations.