In a sweeping escalation of US maritime policy, President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to immediately begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement came via TruthSocial, shortly after more than 20 hours of US-Iranian negotiations in Islamabad—mediated by Pakistan—ended without a deal.
Trump directed naval forces to intercept any vessel attempting to enter or leave the strait.
He also ordered the military to seek out and interdict ships in international waters that have paid tolls to Iran.
Additionally, he authorized operations to destroy mines allegedly laid by Iranian forces in the strategic waterway.
In characteristically blunt language, Trump warned that any Iranian who opens fire on US troops or on what he called “peaceful vessels” would “be blown to hell.”
A Second-Term Pivot
The announcement marks one of the most aggressive maritime moves of Trump’s second term in office.
While he has long taken a hard line against Tehran, this blockade order goes significantly further than previous sanctions and patrols.
Speaking later to Fox News, Trump described the recent talks with Iran as “very friendly” toward the end.
Despite that tone, he confirmed that planning for the blockade is moving forward. “It will take some time,” he said, “but it won’t take long to clean out the strait.”
Allies Joining the Effort
Trump said NATO and several other countries are expected to assist in the operation.
He noted that more traditional minesweepers are being deployed, with Britain and other nations contributing.
He also repeated his claim that two US ships passed through the strait on Saturday without incident.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Nearly one-fifth of global petroleum passes through it. Any sustained blockade risks sending oil prices soaring and triggering worldwide economic turbulence.
What Comes Next?
Iran has not yet issued an official response. But analysts warn that Tehran views the strait as within its sphere of influence and has previously threatened to close it in retaliation for hostile actions.
The coming days will determine whether Trump’s order leads to naval confrontation or serves as a high-pressure bargaining chip.
For now, the world watches as warships move into position. And as Trump put it, cleaning out the strait “won’t take long”—but the consequences could reshape global energy security for years.
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