by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States will begin a sweeping naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, following failed negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.
In a series of statements posted on Truth Social, Trump said nearly 20 hours of talks with Iranian officials—facilitated by Pakistani leaders—ended without a commitment from Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
“IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!” Trump declared, emphasizing that the collapse of negotiations left the U.S. with no alternative but decisive action.
The president confirmed that the United States Navy, along with allied nations, will begin blocking “any and all ships trying to enter, or leave” the strait, a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Trump also ordered U.S. forces to expand enforcement beyond the waterway itself, directing naval units to “seek and interdict” vessels in international waters that have paid what he described as illegal tolls to Iran.
“This is world extortion,” Trump said. “Leaders of countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted.”
The move marks a major escalation in already heightened tensions across the Middle East, where weeks of conflict have disrupted global energy markets. Trump accused Iran of deliberately creating fear in the shipping lane by suggesting naval mines may have been deployed—effectively halting commercial traffic.
“What ship owner would want to take the chance?” he said, pointing to widespread uncertainty that has slowed maritime activity.
According to the president, U.S. forces will begin mine-clearing operations immediately to restore safe navigation. He also issued a stark warning to Tehran, stating that any attack on U.S. or allied vessels would be met with overwhelming military force.
“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be blown to hell,” Trump warned, adding that American forces are “locked and loaded.”
In a separate interview on Sunday Morning Futures, Trump described the policy as “all or nothing,” signaling that no country—ally or adversary—will be allowed partial access to the waterway. He compared the approach to past sanctions enforcement against Venezuela, but “at a higher level.”
The administration maintains that the blockade is necessary not only to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also to restore freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital shipping corridors.
Despite the escalation, Trump expressed confidence that normal operations could eventually resume, stating that the goal remains a system where “all [are] being allowed to go in, all being allowed to go out.”
For now, however, a high-stakes maritime standoff is unfolding — one that could significantly impact global trade, oil prices, and the broader geopolitical balance in the region.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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