{"id":11898,"date":"2026-04-13T12:05:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T06:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicherald.in\/?p=11898"},"modified":"2026-04-13T12:05:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T06:35:23","slug":"us-military-to-blockade-iranian-ports-after-ceasefire-talks-end-without-agreement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicherald.in\/?p=11898","title":{"rendered":"US Military to Blockade Iranian Ports After Ceasefire Talks End Without Agreement"},"content":{"rendered":"

ISLAMABAD, Apr 13:<\/strong> President Donald Trump on Sunday said the U.S. Navy would begin a swift blockade of ships entering or leaving the strategic Strait of Hormuz after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks held in Pakistan reportedly ended without an agreement.<\/p>\n

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the blockade would include Iranian ports starting Monday at 10 a.m. EDT (5:30 p.m. in Iran), and would be \u201cenforced impartially against vessels of all nations.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, CENTCOM clarified that ships travelling between non-Iranian ports would still be allowed to pass through the strait. The move marked a scaled-down version of Trump\u2019s earlier threat to block the entire waterway, ensuring limited commercial movement continues through the critical route.<\/p>\n

Trump said the move aims to weaken Iran\u2019s leverage, noting that the strait handled nearly 20% of global oil shipments before the conflict began.<\/p>\n

Despite restrictions in recent days, marine tracking data suggests over 40 commercial vessels have crossed since the ceasefire period began. Analysts warn the situation could further disrupt global energy markets.<\/p>\n

Following the announcement, oil prices surged in early trading on Sunday. U.S. crude rose 8% to $104.24 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 7% to $102.29. Brent had been priced near $70 per barrel before the escalation in late February.<\/p>\n

Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guard said the Strait of Hormuz remains under Tehran\u2019s \u201cfull control\u201d and is open to non-military vessels, warning military ships would face a \u201cforceful response,\u201d according to semi-official Iranian media reports.<\/p>\n

During the talks in Pakistan, the U.S. military said two destroyers had already passed through the strait ahead of mine-clearing operations, though Iran denied the claim.<\/p>\n

Security experts have questioned the feasibility of Trump\u2019s plan. Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer in security studies at King\u2019s College London, said there is limited military leverage available. \u201cThere isn\u2019t any tool in the toolbox in terms of the military lever that he could use to get his way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Trump said Iran\u2019s nuclear programme was central to the breakdown of talks and, in remarks to Fox News, again warned of possible strikes on civilian infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Tehran\u2019s delegation, responded sharply upon returning to Iran, saying: \u201cIf you fight, we will fight.\u201d (Agency)<\/p>\n\n

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