Negotiations Fail, Trump Blockades Strait of Hormuz Until Iran Surrenders
The United States (US) has officially begun a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes, after peace negotiations with Iran reached a deadlock. President Donald Trump has even emphasised that no ship will be allowed to pass until Iran capitulates.
“From now on, the United States Navy, the best in the world, will begin the process of blockading all ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump stated in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, quoted from detikFinance on Monday (13/4/2026).
Trump mentioned that other countries would also participate in the blockade. He further stressed that Iran would not be permitted to profit from its illegal extortion of ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the military would implement the blockade starting on Monday at 10.00 local time (Eastern Time/ET). CENTCOM noted that additional information would be provided to commercial vessels before the policy takes effect.
CENTCOM also clarified that the US would not obstruct ships transiting the strait to and from non-Iranian ports. The blockade targets only vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports or coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Failed Peace, Looming Crisis
The blockade announcement has immediately dashed hopes of an imminent end to the war. The policy was adopted after the US failed to reach a peace agreement in talks in Islamabad.
This step also risks exacerbating the global economic crisis that has persisted since the conflict erupted.
Trump said the blockade aims to stop Iran’s tight control over the Strait of Hormuz and its economic gains, while other nations suffer from the closure of this strategic route.
He described the Strait of Hormuz as something that should be open to all ships from any country. However, Iran is seen as not allowing this and claiming there is still a risk of mines for transiting ships. Trump dismissed this rationale as a form of extortion.
“This is extortion of the world, and world leaders, especially the United States, will never be extorted,” Trump asserted.
Total Blockade and Threat of Attack
Trump also stated that the US blockade is total, meaning no ships will be permitted to pass until Iran yields. The US Navy will search for and intercept ships in international waters that pay entry fees to Iran.
It is known that Iran is preparing to collect fees from ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This policy has provoked Trump’s anger, as it is viewed as strengthening Iran’s grip on this vital route amid a ceasefire.
“No one who pays illegal levies will get a safe passage in the high seas,” Trump said.
Additionally, Trump and his advisors are reportedly considering options for limited military strikes on Iran to break the negotiation impasse. He has again threatened to attack Iran’s vital infrastructure.
“I don’t want to do it, but it’s their water, their desalination plants, their power plants, which are very easy to attack,” Trump said.