Trump Orders US Navy Blockade of Strait of Hormuz After Iran Talks Fail

Hours after the Islamabad talks collapsed on April 12, President Trump announced via Truth Social that the US Navy would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz: 'Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.' Trump added the Navy would 'seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran.' The announcement immediately rattled global energy markets — WTI crude surged nearly 6% to approximately $105/barrel — as the Strait handles roughly 20% of global oil trade. Iran responded defiantly, with a parliamentary negotiator stating 'the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened.' The blockade order represents a dramatic escalation following the two-week ceasefire's de facto collapse.