U.S. Orders Naval Blockade at Strait of Hormuz After Iran Talks Collapse

Overview

• Following Sunday's collapse of U.S.–Iran negotiations in Islamabad, President Trump announced a naval blockade focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
• U.S. Central Command said the blockade would start Monday at 14:00 GMT and apply to ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, while non‑Iran‑bound traffic may still transit the strait.
• The White House said forces would interdict vessels that paid Iran passage fees and begin mine‑clearing, and U.S. warships already reported demining moves over the weekend.
• Iran’s government called the move illegal and akin to piracy, and the Revolutionary Guard warned they could trap enemy ships in a “deadly whirlpool.”
• Oil jumped above $100 a barrel as some U.S. partners criticized the plan, France floated a separate defensive mission to safeguard navigation, and the short truce due to expire April 22 now looks uncertain.