US Announces Blockade of Strait of Hormuz; Trump Declares: “We Will No Longer Allow Any Ships to Pass”

New Delhi: Following the inconclusive outcome of peace talks with Iran held in Islamabad, Donald Trump has made a major announcement, stating that the United States will soon initiate a blockade of ships entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz. This statement is widely perceived as a move that will further escalate tensions in the region. Trump declared, “Effective immediately, the US Navy will begin the process of intercepting all ships entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz. I have also instructed my Navy to identify and intercept any vessel in international waters that pays tolls to Iran.”

He alleged that Iran has failed to honor its assurances regarding keeping this vital maritime route open. According to Trump, ship movements are already being disrupted due to the perceived threat of naval mines in the waters. He asked, “If shipowners feel that mines could be present anywhere, why would they take the risk?”

Trump also noted that while consensus was reached on several issues during the marathon 20-hour talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad, the most critical issue—Iran’s nuclear program—remained unresolved, with no agreement reached on that front. Donald Trump reiterated that Iran would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. He stated that Iran’s stance on this issue remains rigid. He further added that it is unacceptable for the United States to continue negotiations with Iran until it halts its nuclear program.

Trump also asserted that the US would accelerate its operations to clear existing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any Iranian entity firing upon US vessels engaged in this task would be sent “to hell.” He characterized Iran’s practice of levying tolls on ships in the Strait of Hormuz as “extortion” and warned of severe retaliatory action in the event of any attack on US security forces or commercial vessels. He also indicated that other countries could join this blockade campaign. Furthermore, Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities have already been significantly weakened, and its navy and air defense systems have been largely neutralized.