Donald Trump on Sunday announced a major military step by ordering a United States naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, following failed talks with Iran over its nuclear program. The move came after negotiations in Islamabad ended without an agreement, despite what Trump described as progress on most issues.
Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the US Navy would immediately begin blocking any ships attempting to enter or leave the strategic waterway. He warned that any hostile action from Iranian forces would be met with a strong military response. Trump also hinted that other countries could join the effort, though he did not name them.
The talks in Pakistan were led on the US side by JD Vance and included senior figures such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s delegation was headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The meeting marked one of the highest-level contacts between the two countries in years, dating back to tensions that began after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Although both sides described parts of the discussions as constructive, the key issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions remained unresolved. Vance said the US had presented what he called a final proposal and was waiting for Iran’s response.
Trump accused Iran of failing to keep its promise to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that carries about one fifth of the world’s oil supply. He claimed Iranian actions, including possible mining of the waterway, had made it unsafe for global shipping.
Tensions in the region have remained high for weeks, especially after joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets. Iran has since restricted movement through the strait, affecting global markets and raising fears of a wider conflict.
The US military recently confirmed that two warships had passed through the strait to begin clearing possible mines. Trump warned that the United States was prepared to escalate further if needed, signaling that the situation could worsen if no agreement is reached soon.
