US-Iran war LIVE: Donald Trump sets countdown for Strait of Hormuz blockade; Iran navy chief calls move ‘ridiculous, laughable’

The United States has announced a sweeping maritime move against Iran after ceasefire talks collapsed in Islamabad. Donald Trump said the US Navy would begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz following the failure of high-stakes negotiations.

Earlier, Washington and Tehran concluded 21 hours of face-to-face talks without reaching an agreement, leaving the fragile two-week ceasefire in doubt. The US Central Command said the blockade would begin Monday at 10 am EDT (5:30 pm Iran time), targeting Iranian ports.

CENTCOM said the action would be “enforced impartially against vessels of all nations,” though ships traveling between non-Iranian ports would still be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. A US official described the move as an attempt to demonstrate the limits of Iran’s leverage as negotiations stall. The conflict, now in its seventh week, has already caused thousands of deaths and disrupted global markets.

Shipping halts in Hormuz Strait

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz appeared to be immediately impacted. Reports indicated that traffic came to a standstill after Trump’s announcement, with at least two vessels reversing course. This followed a brief resumption of movement after an earlier pause in hostilities.

Tehran claims control over Hormuz

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy said it maintains “full control” over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any military vessels entering the area would face a “firm and forceful response.” Tehran added that the strait remains open for non-military shipping.

Iran accuses US of derailing talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had negotiated in “good faith” and was close to a deal before the US shifted its position.

“Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity,” he said, accusing Washington of imposing last-minute demands.

Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Iran’s delegation in the Pakistan talks, dismissed Trump’s threats, calling the negotiations “intensive, serious and challenging” and insisting Iran had shown goodwill.

US sets hard red lines

According to a US official, Vice President JD Vance outlined Washington’s non-negotiable demands, including ensuring Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, ending uranium enrichment, dismantling key facilities, and halting support to groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Iran, however, did not agree to all conditions.

UK role unclear

Trump also claimed the United Kingdom would send minesweepers to the region, though British authorities have not confirmed the move. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper had earlier discussed coordinating international efforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz once tensions ease.

A follow-up meeting on restoring safe passage through the key shipping lane is expected later this week.