Trump Says Hormuz Blockade To Start Monday, Aims To Halt Iran Oil Sales

The US Central Command said the blockade would take effect at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on April 13, targeting all vessel traffic linked with Iranian ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM said the measures would apply“impartially” to ships of all nationalities entering or leaving Iranian ports, while allowing freedom of navigation for vessels transiting to non-Iranian destinations through the Strait.

Trump confirmed the move, saying Iran would no longer be able to sell oil and that the blockade would have a significant impact, adding that other countries could also support the effort.

He also claimed that energy markets were already shifting, with tankers seeking alternative routes and supplies, and said the United States had sufficient oil capacity to meet global demand.

The action follows the collapse of high-level talks between United States and Iran, which lasted more than 20 hours but failed to resolve key disputes, including Iran's nuclear program.

Tensions have escalated after weeks of conflict involving Israel, with fears that disruption in the Strait of Hormuz-through which a significant share of global oil passes-could impact international energy markets.

While Washington signals readiness to increase pressure, uncertainty remains over international support and Iran's potential response, raising risks of further escalation in an already volatile region.

MENAFN17042026000228011069ID1110994866