President Donald Trump has ordered the United States Navy to impose an immediate blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any Iranian forces who open fire on American ships or civilian vessels will be 'blown to hell.' The declaration, posted on Truth Social on Sunday, 12 April 2026, came hours after marathon peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran collapsed in Islamabad, Pakistan, with nuclear disarmament and control of the waterway emerging as the central sticking points.
'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 wrote. The announcement marked one of the most dramatic escalations since the US and Israel launched air strikes against Iran on 28 February 2026, a conflict that has already killed thousands, destabilised global energy markets, and sent oil prices surging past £74 ($100) per barrel at points.
