President Trump said Sunday the Navy will blockade the Strait of Hormuz after ceasefire talks with Iranian representatives in Pakistan ended at an impasse this weekend.
Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social that Navy vessels will blockade the strait, saying that U.S. service members will “interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran.”
The president also posted that the U.S. is prepared to continue its joint campaign with Israel against Iran, saying troops are “LOCKED AND LOADED” to “finish up” if Tehran does not concede its ambition for a nuclear weapon.
“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,” Mr. Trump posted. “The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION.”
The president’s move further mires transit through the strait, which Iran effectively closed shortly after the start of the U.S.-Israeli air campaign on Feb. 28. As much as 20% of the world’s petroleum is transported through the strait each year.
Mr. Trump emphasized that Iran’s desire to pursue a nuclear weapon was the key issue to end the war and that U.S. presence in the region will continue until Iran concedes that point.
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Vice President J.D. Vance said the ceasefire negotiations collapsed early Sunday over what he described as Iran’s refusal to abandon its path to a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials blamed the U.S. without pointing to specific points of negotiation.
The 14-day ceasefire is set to expire April 22, with neither side addressing next steps publicly. Mr. Trump praised Pakistani mediators in his social posts, saying that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, the country’s chief of staff of the army, had praised him over the U.S. intervention in conflict between India and Pakistan.
Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Iran in the negotiations, said it is time for the United States “to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.”
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue between Iran and the U.S. in the coming days.
“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to cease fire,” Mr. Dar said.
There has not yet been any announcement by the U.S. or Iran on whether talks would resume.
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• John T. Seward can be reached at jseward@washingtontimes.com.
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