Trump orders Hormuz blockade after Iran talks fail

A Strait of Hormuz blockade has been ordered by Donald Trump after United States–Iran talks in Pakistan collapsed without agreement, triggering a sharp escalation in a waterway critical to global oil and gas flows.

In a lengthy statement, Trump said, "Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the finest in the world, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.” He added: “Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” The president said his goal was to clear the strait of mines and reopen it to global shipping, but insisted Iran must not profit from its control of the route.

Calling Tehran’s actions “WORLD EXTORTION”, Trump said he had instructed US forces to “seek and interdict every vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran”, warning that “no one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas”. He also said the US would begin destroying mines allegedly laid by Iran in the strait.

Iran responded with a direct warning. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had full control over traffic in the strait and would trap any adversary “in a deadly vortex” if challenged. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation in Pakistan, said on return to Tehran that Iran would “not bow to any threats” from Washington.

Tehran has already been restricting shipping through the strait, allowing vessels linked to friendly countries, including China, to pass while limiting others. There have also been unconfirmed reports that Iran plans to charge tolls on transiting ships. Iran’s Fars news agency reported that two Pakistani-flagged oil tankers turned back before entering the strait, signalling early disruption.

The United States military said two Navy warships had already transited the strait to begin mine-clearing operations and ensure a “safe pathway” for tankers, a claim denied by Iranian authorities. The developments have raised fears of renewed conflict in an already volatile region.

The talks in Pakistan were the highest-level engagement between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 revolution. The US delegation included Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner. After the meeting, Vance said Washington had presented its “final and best offer” and added: “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”

Iranian lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian said the US demands included removing Iran’s 60% enriched uranium and a proposal for shared benefits linked to the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran rejected. Ghalibaf said Iran had offered “constructive initiatives", but the US side failed to build trust.

Trump later escalated his rhetoric in a television interview, warning he could destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure. “I could take out Iran in one day. I could have their entire energy… every one of their plants, their electric-generating plants,” he said. He also threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing supported Iran militarily.

Analysts said the blockade marked a significant escalation. Nicole Grajewski of Sciences Po said it was “not a minor coercive signal” but effectively a return to war, indicating Washington’s growing willingness to rely on direct military measures rather than diplomacy.

The collapse of the talks has heightened concerns over global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial share of the world’s oil and gas shipments. Any sustained disruption could push prices higher and affect supply chains.

Pakistan urged both sides to respect a temporary truce, but regional tensions remain elevated. Benjamin Netanyahu said military operations in Lebanon were continuing, stating that while threats had been reduced, “the war continues”.

Civilians across the region expressed concern about a return to conflict. An Egyptian resident in Abu Dhabi said she feared renewed attacks and was trying not to pass anxiety on to her children, while a Beirut resident warned against ignoring recent casualties despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The Strait of Hormuz blockade now places global energy security, maritime trade and regional stability under immediate pressure, with the risk of further escalation increasing as diplomacy falters.