U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz , significantly escalating tensions with Iran despite a temporary ceasefire that he says is “holding well.” In a statement posted on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said the move would restrict maritime activity through the strategically vital waterway, a key global energy corridor through which roughly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil passes. The presidential announcement comes alongside a separate operational directive from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which said it

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, significantly escalating tensions with Iran despite a temporary ceasefire that he says is “holding well.”

In a statement posted on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said the move would restrict maritime activity through the strategically vital waterway, a key global energy corridor through which roughly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil passes.

The presidential announcement comes alongside a separate operational directive from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which said it would begin enforcing a blockade of vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas starting Monday. While CENTCOM framed the move as targeting Iran-bound shipping, Trump’s statement signals a broader and more aggressive posture focused on the entire strait.

The developments follow high-stakes negotiations held over the weekend in Islamabad, which ended without agreement on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and regional security concerns.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said the United States is seeking firm assurances that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons. “We haven't seen that yet. We hope that we will,” Vance said after the talks.

Iran responded sharply to the U.S. moves. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any foreign military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be “dealt with harshly and decisively,” signaling the risk of direct confrontation in the already tense waterway.

Despite the diplomatic impasse, Trump maintained that the ceasefire remains intact, suggesting the blockade is intended as a continued pressure tactic rather than a response to renewed fighting.

Global markets have already reacted to the rising uncertainty. Brent crude prices closed above $95 per barrel on Friday, reflecting investor concerns over potential supply disruptions if tensions escalate further.

The situation remains fluid, with analysts warning that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching economic and security consequences. International observers are closely watching whether the latest U.S. actions will force a return to negotiations or push the region toward deeper confrontation.

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