US Military to Blockade Iranian Ports as Ceasefire Risks Collapse Following Failed Talks
WASHINGTON: The U.S. military has announced a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, set to commence on Monday. This decision follows unsuccessful talks aimed at resolving ongoing hostilities with Iran, putting a fragile two-week ceasefire in jeopardy.
Failed Negotiations in Islamabad
The discussions, which took place in Islamabad from Saturday into early Sunday, marked the first direct U.S.-Iranian negotiations in over a decade and the highest-level talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. These negotiations occurred shortly after a ceasefire began on Tuesday, intended to halt six weeks of conflict that has resulted in thousands of casualties across the Gulf, disrupted essential energy supplies, and raised concerns about a broader regional conflict.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the blockade would begin at 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) and would be “enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.” However, vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will not face impediments, according to military officials. Further details will be communicated to commercial mariners through formal notices prior to the blockade’s initiation.
President Trump’s Strong Stance
President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces would intercept any vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran. He emphasized, “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” and warned that any Iranian aggression towards U.S. forces or peaceful vessels would be met with severe consequences. Trump also announced that the U.S. Navy would begin destroying mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for approximately 20% of global energy supplies. Despite three supertankers passing through the Strait on Saturday, shipping data indicated that vessels were avoiding the area on Monday in anticipation of the blockade.
Iran’s Response and Escalating Tensions
In response to Trump’s remarks, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards issued a warning that any military vessels approaching the Strait would be viewed as a breach of the ceasefire and would be dealt with decisively, highlighting the potential for dangerous escalation.
A U.S. official reported that Iran had rejected calls from Washington to cease all uranium enrichment, dismantle major enrichment facilities, and transfer highly enriched uranium. Additionally, Iran declined U.S. demands to stop funding for groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, as well as to fully open the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media indicated that while some issues saw agreement, the nuclear program and the status of the Strait remained contentious points. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi remarked that Iran faced “maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade” just as they were nearing an agreement in Islamabad. He stated, “Zero lessons learned,” emphasizing that goodwill leads to goodwill, while enmity breeds further conflict.
The ongoing conflict has had significant economic repercussions, pushing oil prices higher as Iran restricted traffic through the Strait. Following the breakdown of talks, the U.S. dollar and oil prices rose in early trading on Monday, while Asian stocks experienced declines. Trump acknowledged the potential political fallout from rising oil and gasoline prices, suggesting they may remain elevated through the upcoming midterm elections.
Future Negotiations Uncertain
Despite the tensions, Trump expressed a belief that Iran would continue to negotiate, describing the Islamabad discussions as “very friendly.” He noted, “I do believe they’re going to come to the table on this, because nobody can be so stupid as to say, ‘We want nuclear weapons,’ and they have no cards.” However, he later indicated indifference regarding whether Iran would return to negotiations, stating, “If they don’t come back, I’m fine.”
Iranian officials, including Qalibaf, criticized the U.S. for failing to earn Tehran’s trust, despite their offers of “forward-looking initiatives.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed that Tehran seeks a “balanced and fair agreement.” He added that if the United States adheres to international law, reaching an agreement could be within reach.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-04-13 08:40:00 • By the Editorial Desk
