U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran as a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iranian ports officially took effect, marking a major escalation following the collapse of peace talks between the two countries.
The U.S. military confirmed that the blockade began Monday and applies to all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports, part of Washington’s effort to pressure Tehran after negotiations in Islamabad ended without agreement.
Trump warned that Iranian “fast-attack ships” approaching U.S. naval forces enforcing the blockade would be “immediately eliminated,” underscoring the administration’s readiness to escalate if challenged at sea.
The blockade follows weeks of rising tensions linked to disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and maritime security around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies.
U.S. Central Command said the enforcement action will apply to vessels of all nations traveling to or from Iranian ports, though ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations will still be allowed to transit the corridor.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by warning that any military presence near the strait could be considered a violation of the existing ceasefire and would be met with a “decisive” response, highlighting the risk of further confrontation.
The move comes after marathon diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran ended without a settlement over issues including Iran’s nuclear stockpile and maritime access guarantees. Analysts say the blockade represents one of the most serious escalations in the ongoing crisis and could have major implications for global energy markets.
Officials from both countries have left open the possibility of renewed negotiations, but tensions remain high as naval forces continue enforcing the new restrictions around Iran’s coastline.
