JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
US President Donald Trump has directed the American Navy to enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions with Iran following the breakdown of negotiations over its nuclear program.
The announcement came on Sunday after high-level talks in Islamabad failed to achieve a breakthrough. Although Trump acknowledged that discussions had made progress, he accused Tehran of refusing to compromise on its nuclear ambitions.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Best in the World, will begin the BLOKKA process of any and all Ships attempting to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.”
He issued a stern warning along with the directive, stating, “Any Iranian who fires at us, or at any peaceful vessel, will be FURNISHED INTO HELL!”
The latest developments came after intensive talks over the weekend in Pakistan involving US Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The talks marked the highest level of engagement between the two countries since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
The Iranian team also includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Also read: Tragedy at the border market due to air strikes leaves dozens of people dead in the Borno-Yobe axis
Although extensive discussions were held, no agreement was reached. Speaking to reporters before leaving Pakistan, Vance said, “We leave here with a very modest proposal, a method of understanding that is our last and best offer. We will see if Iran accepts it.”
Trump, in further remarks, criticized Iran for its handling of the vital shipping route, and accused Iran of failing to meet commitments regarding access to the strait, which is a vital route for much of the world’s crude oil supply.
He said, “They say they put mines in the water, even though their entire Navy, and most of their ‘mine-droppers’, have been completely blown up. They may have done it, but what shipowner would take this chance?”
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have increased in recent weeks, with Iran effectively restricting access following a sustained military campaign by the United States and Israel targeting key installations in the country.
On Saturday, the US military confirmed that two of its warships had passed through the waterway as part of ongoing mine-clearing operations, signaling the potential for increased efforts to secure the route.
