Trump Orders Hormuz Blockade — US-Iran Naval Standoff Begins

Hours after the Islamabad ceasefire talks collapsed on April 12 at 01:49 UTC, President Trump ordered a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — the world's most critical oil chokepoint, carrying roughly 20-25 percent of global oil trade. Enforcement begins April 13. The blockade was triggered by Iran's refusal to normalize Hormuz traffic without a linked Lebanon ceasefire and asset unfreezing — demands the US rejected. Iran's IRGC immediately rejected the blockade, calling it 'excessive rhetoric' and warning US warships they would face a 'deadly vortex' if they attempted enforcement. Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf stated Iran 'will not bow to threats.' UK and Australia explicitly refused to join the US-led operation. Oil prices surged 8 percent on the announcement, with European gas rising 17 percent. The blockade creates a direct US-Iran naval confrontation scenario in one of the world's most strategically sensitive waterways.

Key facts

• •Trump ordered Hormuz blockade hours after Islamabad talks collapsed — enforcement starts April 13
• •IRGC warns US warships would face 'deadly vortex' if they attempt enforcement
• •UK and Australia refused to join blockade — only US enforcing
• •Oil surged 8% on announcement; European gas up 17%
• •Hormuz carries 20-25% of global oil trade — full closure would be economic catastrophe