Trump announces Iran oil blockade after failed talks
The blockade, which took effect at 10 a.m., targets all Iranian ports and coastal areas.
(NBC)- A new pressure point is emerging in the conflict with Iran, as Donald Trump announced a sweeping blockade on Iranian oil following the collapse of weekend peace talks.
The blockade, which took effect at 10 a.m., targets all Iranian ports and coastal areas. According to U.S. Central Command, enforcement will focus on stopping Iranian oil shipments, though vessels traveling between non-Iranian ports will not be targeted.
“Other nations are working so that Iran will not be able to sell oil. And that will be very effective,” Trump said.
Iran’s military responded with a warning, saying warships approaching the Strait of Hormuz could be considered a violation of the current two-week ceasefire.
The U.S. is hoping increased economic pressure will force Iran to reopen the vital shipping lane, but markets reacted quickly to the announcement. Oil prices surged while stock futures fell amid uncertainty over the escalating standoff.
Trump acknowledged the potential economic impact at home, including rising fuel costs ahead of the November midterm elections.
“I hope so… it could be the same, or maybe a little bit higher,” he said when asked about gas prices.
Meanwhile, JD Vance led a U.S. delegation in direct negotiations with Iran in Pakistan, which ultimately broke down over the administration’s central demand.
“We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon,” Vance said. “We haven’t seen that yet.”
Despite the stalled talks, Trump signaled he is not concerned about returning to the negotiating table.
“I don’t care if they come back or not. If they don’t come back, I’m fine,” he said.
Complicating matters further, new U.S. intelligence suggests China may be preparing to provide Iran with additional air defense systems in the coming weeks. A person familiar with the matter says that move could escalate tensions even more.
Trump warned that if China proceeds, the U.S. would respond with a 50% tariff.
The developments mark a significant escalation in economic and geopolitical pressure, with global markets and energy prices already reacting to the uncertainty.
