US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the US Navy will begin blockading ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and will interdict every vessel that has paid a toll to Iran, marking a dramatic escalation after peace talks with Tehran collapsed.
“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 posted on Truth Social. He accused Iran of “WORLD EXTORTION” by claiming uncharted mines remain in the waterway.
The announcement came after nearly 20 hours of talks in Islamabad, brokered by Pakistan, ended without agreement. While the two sides reportedly reached consensus on several issues, Iran’s nuclear programme proved the sticking point. “Iran is unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions,” Trump said.
Trump warned that any Iranian forces firing at US or commercial vessels would face military retaliation, saying American forces were “locked and loaded.” The US will also begin mine-clearing operations in the strait.
Iran’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament Haji Babaei responded defiantly, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely in Iran’s hands” and that transit tolls must be paid in rials.
Sri Lanka impact
The blockade escalation compounds Sri Lanka’s ongoing fuel supply crisis, which has already prompted QR-based fuel rationing and emergency shipment arrangements. With the two-week ceasefire now effectively defunct after talks collapsed earlier this week, global oil markets face renewed disruption.
Sri Lanka’s delegation is at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington this week, where the Middle East conflict’s economic fallout will dominate discussions.
