Donald Trump has announced that the United States will initiate a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions following extended negotiations.
In a statement, Trump said talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad lasted nearly 20 hours and resulted in agreement on several issues, but failed to resolve what he described as the most critical concern — Iran’s nuclear programme.
He stated that Iran’s refusal to give up its nuclear ambitions outweighed all other areas of progress achieved during the discussions.
Trump also accused Iran of failing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite earlier assurances, claiming that uncertainty had been created by reports that mines may have been placed in the waterway.
Announcing immediate action, Trump said the United States Navy would begin blockading all vessels attempting to enter or leave the strategic route.
He further warned that U.S. forces would intercept ships paying tolls to Iran and would begin operations to clear any mines allegedly deployed in the Strait.
The President added that any attack by Iranian forces on U.S. or commercial vessels would trigger military retaliation, stressing that American forces were fully prepared to respond.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital النفط transit routes, carrying a significant share of global energy supplies and playing a crucial role in international trade.
