Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply after the collapse of nuclear negotiations, with Donald Trump announcing plans for a naval blockade in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The US military confirmed that a blockade targeting Iranian ports will begin at 10:00 ET (14:00 GMT) on Monday, following failed talks held in Pakistan over Tehran's nuclear programme. According to US Central Command, the operation will be enforced "impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports or coastal areas".
However, the command stressed it "will not impede" ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz if they are travelling "to and from non-Iranian ports'.
President Trump had earlier taken a more expansive stance, saying the US Navy would "blockade any and all ships" attempting to enter or leave the waterway.
He added that negotiations broke down because Iran refused to “give up its nuclear ambitions”, despite what he described as significant progress during talks.
Iranian officials disputed that account, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying the two sides were “inches away” from a deal before encountering “maximalism” and “shifting goalposts”.
Leading Iran’s delegation, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf struck a defiant tone, declaring the country would not “surrender under threats”.
In a social media post, Ghalibaf mocked the potential economic fallout of the blockade, writing: “Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called 'blockade', Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas”.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Naval Forces warned that any military vessels approaching the strait would be seen as violating the ceasefire and “dealt with severely”.
The escalating rhetoric has already rattled global energy markets, with oil prices surging above $100 a barrel amid fears of supply disruption.
Shipping activity through the Strait remains below pre-war levels, though dozens of vessels have continued to transit the route in recent days despite mounting uncertainty.
Legal experts have raised concerns that a blockade could breach international maritime law and potentially violate existing ceasefire arrangements.
Despite the deteriorating situation, both sides have signalled that diplomacy may not be entirely over, with Iranian leaders suggesting a deal remains possible under different conditions.
