Trump Orders U.S. Navy to Blockade All Iranian Ports After Failed Peace Talks

President Trump announced the U.S. Navy would begin blockading all Iranian ports starting Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.

CENTCOM clarified the blockade would apply to all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, but would not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

ABC

Trump tweeted the Navy would seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran.

The announcement came after 21 hours of negotiations between U.S., Iranian, and Pakistani officials ended without a deal.

Vice President JD Vance said the Iranians have chosen not to accept our terms.

The blockade threatens to sever Iran's key financial lifeline from oil exports.

The announcement sent oil prices soaring, with U.S. crude jumping 8% to more than $104 per barrel.

The Strait of Hormuz had already been effectively closed by Iran since the war began.

ABC

JPMorgan Chase analysts said reopening the strait had become the market's most time-sensitive priority.

The European Union urged further diplomatic efforts.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that any approaching military vessels would be in breach of the ceasefire.

Trump initially threatened to blockade the entire Strait of Hormuz, but CENTCOM's statement scaled back the scope to Iranian ports only.

“The United States military has announced it will begin blockading all Iranian ports on Monday, its latest move to exert pressure on Tehran after marathon peace talks in Pakistan concluded without a deal”

Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera noted conflicting information coming out of the U.S. side.

The Guardian reported that the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports.

The BBC quoted witnesses saying the factory's main exit was locked when the fire broke out.

The Dhaka Tribune reported that Rahman was being questioned about allegations that the factory's emergency exits had been welded shut.

Iranian authorities remained defiant.

Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf taunted Trump about gas prices.

Al Jazeera

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strait remained under Iran's full control.

The ceasefire was set to expire on April 22 with no clear path forward.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country would try to facilitate a new dialogue.