U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the United States Navy to commence a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, following the collapse of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme.
The directive was announced on Sunday after high-level talks held in Islamabad ended without a final agreement, despite U.S. officials indicating that progress had been made on several issues.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the blockade would take immediate effect and would target vessels attempting to enter or exit the strait, a critical route for global crude oil shipments.
According to the U.S. president, the decision followed Iran’s refusal to concede on its nuclear programme, which remained the central point of disagreement.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, departed Pakistan without securing a deal after discussions with Iranian officials headed by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, was also part of the delegation.
Speaking after the meeting, Vance described the U.S. proposal as a “final” offer, adding that Washington would wait for Tehran’s response.
Trump criticised Iran for failing to follow through on assurances regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the waterway has remained effectively restricted in recent weeks amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
He also raised concerns over maritime security, referencing reports of possible naval mine deployment, which has contributed to hesitancy among commercial shipping operators.
The latest development marks a shift from earlier diplomatic efforts, including a temporary ceasefire framework, and signals a potential escalation in military posture. Analysts warn that the blockade could undermine fragile de-escalation efforts and increase risks for countries reliant on energy supplies transiting the corridor.
Earlier, the U.S. military confirmed that two naval vessels had transited the strait as part of initial mine-clearing operations.
Regional developments continue to reflect heightened tensions, with several Gulf states reporting missile alerts, drone activity, and civil defence warnings linked to the broader conflict.
In a related development, Iranian authorities have engaged in consultations with Russia, including reported communication between President Masoud Pezeshkian and President Vladimir Putin to assess ongoing negotiations and regional security conditions.
Although lower-level diplomatic contacts reportedly continued after the formal talks, the announcement of the blockade has introduced uncertainty over the prospects for immediate resumption of negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, and any sustained disruption is expected to have significant implications for global oil supply and market stability.