President Trump directs American warships to impose a maritime embargo on the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump issued a directive on Sunday for the US Navy to impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, citing Iran's unwavering stance on its nuclear program during recent peace talks held in Islamabad.

n

The negotiations in Pakistan were deemed to have proceeded "well" with "most points" agreed upon, yet Tehran's refusal to back down on its nuclear ambitions prompted the drastic measure, according to Trump.

n

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce that the US Navy, which he described as "the Finest in the World," would immediately start blockading all ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz.

n

He also warned that any Iranian who fired at US forces or peaceful vessels would face severe consequences, stating "Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!".

n

US Vice President JD Vance departed Pakistan without securing a deal after engaging in weekend talks with a team led by Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, marking the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

n

Vance's delegation included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and he told reporters that the US had presented a "very simple proposal" which constituted their "final and best offer," awaiting Iran's response.

n

Trump expressed his frustration with Iran in two lengthy Truth Social posts, criticizing the country for failing to deliver on its promise to open the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which a fifth of the world's crude oil passes.

n

He questioned the credibility of Iran's claims, stating "They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their 'mine droppers,' have been completely blown up," and noted that ship owners would be wary of navigating the strait due to the perceived risks.

n

The Strait of Hormuz had been effectively blocked by Iran for weeks, following a bombing campaign launched by the US and Israel against the Islamic republic over six weeks ago.

n

The US military announced on Saturday that two US warships had successfully transited the strait, marking the beginning of a mine clearance operation.