President Donald Trump announced early Monday that the U.S. Navy will begin a full blockade of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, along with a partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, starting at 10 a.m. ET. The move follows the collapse of high-level peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, led by Vice President JD Vance—the highest-level U.S.-Iran negotiations in nearly 50 years.
Central Command confirmed naval destroyers have already crossed the strait, with instructions to intercept vessels that paid tolls to Iran. The talks broke down over Tehran’s nuclear program and other unresolved demands, despite a fragile prior ceasefire. Trump stated the ceasefire was “holding well” but insisted the blockade was necessary to pressure Iran. Oil prices immediately spiked above $100 per barrel on global markets, raising fears of supply disruptions and higher gasoline costs for American drivers.
The administration faces mounting criticism over potential economic fallout, including surging food and energy prices already strained by the ongoing conflict. Analysts warn the escalation could divert U.S. military resources from other priorities, such as Asia. Iran has not yet issued a formal response, but regional allies expressed alarm over worsening global energy security. The blockade marks a dramatic shift in Trump’s approach to the Iran conflict, which he inherited and has now intensified through closer coordination with Israel.
