US-Iran War LIVE: 'Don’t Care If They Come Back', Says Trump After Failed Islamabad Talks; US Sets Time For Hormuz Blockade
Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on China if they aid Tehran’s weapons programme, while also vowing to block the Strait of Hormuz to curb Iranian influence. The aggressive stance aims to disrupt military ties between the two nations and tighten global energy security through trade leverage. Follow LIVE updates for latest war news.
New Delhi: In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the United States military has announced that it will enforce a maritime blockade on Iran beginning April 13, acting on directives issued by US President Donald Trump.
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the measure will apply uniformly to ships of all nationalities operating in and around Iranian ports and coastal regions.
In a post on X, CENTCOM wrote, “Will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in accordance with the President's proclamation.” It further added that the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas.
"The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," CENTCOM added.
While the U.S. asserts its maritime authority, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy claims it maintains "full control" of the Strait. Tehran warned of a "forceful response" to any approaching military vessels but insisted the passage remains open for civilian traffic.
Furthermore, hours after talks between the US and Iran failed in Pakistan’s Islamabad, US President Donald Trump has once again started threatening Tehran. He also pointed his gun towards China, saying that his administration would charge China with 50 percent tariff if found helping Tehran with weapons.
Who Sabotaged Talks?
Iranian officials have accused Washington of sabotaging the potential "Islamabad MoU" by moving the goalposts at the last minute.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed Tehran negotiated in good faith and blamed "U.S. maximalism" for the collapse.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed the blockade's impact on the Iranian public, despite describing the Islamabad sessions as "intensive and challenging."
A U.S. official noted that Vice President JD Vance set firm "red lines" during the talks, including the permanent cessation of Iran’s uranium enrichment and the cutting of ties with Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
President Trump also claimed the United Kingdom would deploy minesweepers to the region to assist, although the British Ministry of Defence has yet to confirm this. This development comes as the seven-week conflict continues to rattle global markets and claim thousands of lives.
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It reported that movement ceased after US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the US would impose a blockade on the waterway.
The firm added that two ships already exiting the strait reportedly turned back after the post.
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13 April 2026 at 06:54 IST
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Published By : Amrita Narayan
Published On: 13 April 2026 at 06:55 IST