US Announces Blockade of Ships Crossing Strait of Hormuz

Trump declares blockade of ships crossing Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will impose a blockade on all ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying tensions in the Gulf region.

The announcement follows the breakdown of US‑Iran peace talks in Pakistan, with Trump vowing that vessels heading to or from Iranian ports will be stopped. US Central Command (CENTCOM) later clarified that freedom of navigation will remain for ships transiting the strait to non‑Iranian destinations, but all maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports will be subject to restrictions beginning Monday.

The move immediately sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil prices surged, with US crude climbing above $104 per barrel and Brent crude exceeding $102, amid fears of disruption to one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by warning that any military vessels approaching the strait would be in violation of the ceasefire agreement currently in place until April 22, and would face a “severe response.” Tehran accused Washington of shifting negotiating terms during the Islamabad talks, claiming a deal was nearly finalized before US officials obstructed progress.

Analysts caution that the blockade risks further destabilizing the Gulf, where nearly one‑fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have signaled readiness for a prolonged confrontation, insisting that the Islamic Republic will not yield to external pressure.