Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz Halts Immediately After US Announces Blockade

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has come to an immediate halt after US President Donald Trump announced a blockade on Iranian ports, effective from Monday at 14:00 GMT (21:00 WIB), according to a London-based maritime intelligence report.

Traffic, which had previously been operating at a limited level, suddenly stopped completely as ships began turning around in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Lloyd’s List report.

This occurred as the US intensified mine-clearing operations and accused Iran of failing to honour its commitment to reopen the international waterway.

The US naval blockade was announced after rare direct talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, on Saturday (11/4), aimed at ending the war since 28 February. However, the negotiations failed to produce an agreement from either side.

The talks took place amid a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan starting from Tuesday (7/4).

Source: Anadolu