Trump’s blockade threat raises tensions as risks grow in US–Iran conflict

International

RISKS and uncertainty are mounting after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a naval blockade on Iran, following failed negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance to end the ongoing conflict.

In a series of posts on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump declared that the United States would enforce a blockade, warning, “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.”

He also said US forces would continue clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage for allied vessels, adding that the military was “locked and loaded” and ready to resume attacks at an “appropriate moment.”

Trump claimed progress had been made during 20-hour talks in Islamabad, but said Iran refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

However, a US official familiar with the negotiations disputed this, citing broader disagreements involving Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz and its support for regional groups such as the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a report by BBC said.

The US Central Command later clarified that the proposed blockade would halt all ships traveling to or from Iranian ports, expanding on Trump’s earlier statements.

The announcement has raised multiple concerns, including whether US naval forces could face increased risks from Iranian retaliation, how the blockade would be enforced, and how countries dependent on Iranian oil—such as China—would respond. Questions also remain on whether the move could drive global oil prices even higher.

“I don’t understand how blockading the strait is going to somehow push the Iranians into opening it,” said Senator Mark Warner during an interview with CNN.

Meanwhile, Representative Mike Turner defended the move, saying on CBS’ Face the Nation, “The president, by saying we’re not just going to let them decide who gets through, is certainly calling all of our allies and everyone to the table. This needs to be addressed.”

Before the ceasefire and negotiations, Trump faced a difficult choice between escalating military action—which could worsen humanitarian and economic conditions—or stepping back from a conflict that has drawn increasing criticism from the American public.

A recent CBS poll showed that 59 percent of Americans believe the war is going somewhat or very badly for the United States, with key objectives such as securing the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran’s nuclear program still unmet.

Despite US claims of progress, the situation remains unresolved. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Iran would eventually give the US “everything” it wants, while acknowledging that oil prices may remain high, though he expressed confidence in the US economy.

As tensions continue, the conflict has entered its second month, with the fragile two-week ceasefire at risk of collapsing. Analysts warn that the standoff has become a test of endurance between Iran’s capacity to withstand attacks and the United States’ ability to manage economic and political pressures.

With midterm elections approaching, the outcome of the conflict could also carry significant political consequences for the administration. (Samantha Faye Alcoma, CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)