On Sunday, President Trump revealed that the United States Navy will commence a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating the ongoing tensions with Iran after unsuccessful peace talks in Pakistan.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated, “So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not. 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 went on to describe Iran’s tactics as “world extortion,” indicating that their claims of hidden mines were unacceptable. “At some point, we will reach an ‘ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT’ basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen,” he emphasized.
Trump also directed the Navy to intercept vessels paying tolls to the Iranian regime. “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he declared. He vowed to destroy mines laid by Iran and warned that any aggression toward U.S. vessels would not be tolerated.
President Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/B9LZpNJZaV
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 12, 2026
According to Trump, Iran has brought ruin upon itself through its nuclear ambitions, leading to the dismantling of much of their military capabilities. He expressed confidence that the blockade would soon begin and mentioned that other nations would join in the effort against Iran’s actions.
Trump highlighted that Iran’s strategies have caused severe damage to their nation. He accused Iran of establishing a “de facto toll booth system” in the strait, despite losing significant military strength due to previous U.S. and Israeli interventions.
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global oil trade, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Prior to the escalation, it accounted for about one-fifth of the world’s oil exports, but since the conflict started on February 28, traffic has plummeted upwards of 95 percent.
His declaration came shortly after Vice President JD Vance announced that the negotiations with Iran in Islamabad had failed. Trump stated that although the talks had some productive moments, Iran ultimately refused to give up its nuclear objectives.
