Trump Orders Naval Blockade of Strait of Hormuz — Enforcement Begins April 13
President Trump ordered the US Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz on April 12, 2026, after marathon US-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed without a deal. The blockade is scheduled to take effect on April 13, 2026. Trump framed the blockade as a response to Iran's refusal to normalize Hormuz traffic and its demands linking a peace deal to Israel's Lebanon ceasefire and asset unfreezing. The US has threatened to blockade all Iranian ports. Iran has warned it 'will not bow to any threats.' Multiple allied nations including the UK and Australia refused to join the blockade. Oil prices rose 8 percent.
Actor responses
Trump: We will blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Iran will not be allowed to threaten this critical waterway. Navy to enforce exclusion zone starting April 13.
Iran 'will not bow to any threats.' Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf: Iran will not submit to any threats regardless of US military posturing.
IRGC dismissed Trump's blockade as 'excessive rhetoric' and warned US warships they would face a 'deadly vortex' if they attempted to enforce it.
UK said it will not join any US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Starmer government working with France on navigation rights but explicitly refused US-led blockade.
Sources