Trump announces US blockade of Strait of Hormuz
Trump says US Navy to interdict vessels linked to Iranian toll system as Tehran deploys special forces along southern coast
12 April, 2026
TT
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US President Donald Trump has said the US will begin blockading vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, following the collapse of peace talks with Iran in Islamabad over the weekend.
In a series of remarks on Truth Social later on Sunday, Trump said negotiations had made progress on several fronts but ultimately failed on what he described as the key issue.
“Most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not,” he said.
The escalation comes just five days after the two sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire, underscoring the volatility of the situation around one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
Trump said he had instructed the US Navy to take direct action against vessels linked to Iran’s controversial toll system in the Strait.
“I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran,” he said. “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.”
He added that “other countries” would be involved in the effort, though he did not provide further details.
In a further warning, Trump said that “at an appropriate moment” the US military would “finish up the little that is left of Iran!”, signalling the potential for renewed military escalation despite the recent ceasefire.
Iran steps up military posture
Meanwhile, Iran has moved to strengthen its defensive position along its southern coastline.
State media reported that navy special forces have been deployed to coastal areas, with the stated aim of countering any potential incursion.
According to Iran’s Student News Network, troops have been positioned near key areas “to counter any possible enemy infiltration into the country’s territory,” accompanied by images of soldiers in camouflage along sandy coastal zones.
The latest developments raise the risk of further disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments that has already seen traffic drop more than 90 per cent in recent weeks.



















