Trump warns US will eliminate Iranian fast-attack shipseliminate Iranian fast-attack ships approaching Hormuz blockade
President Donald Trump announced on April 13, 2026, that the US Navy has begun blockading the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, following failed peace talks in Islamabad. He posted on Truth Social that Iran's navy has been obliterated except for fast-attack ships, which will be immediately eliminated if they near the blockade. The move targets vessels paying tolls to Iran and aims to stop its oil exports amid a fragile two-week ceasefire.
This escalation threatens global oil supplies through the vital waterway carrying 20% of world oil, driving up prices and risking wider Gulf conflict. Qatar urged both sides to ensure freedom of navigation, while Iran called the blockade illegal piracy and hinted at tighter Hormuz controls. Trump claims Iran reached out for new deal talks focused on ending its nuclear program.
US Perspective
The blockade enforces maximum pressure on Iran after it rejected terms to end tolls and nuclear pursuits during Islamabad talks. Trump portrays Iran's navy as defeated and the action as necessary to halt extortion via the strait. Neutral ships get grace periods to leave Iranian ports, with allies ready to join.
Iranian Perspective
The US blockade amounts to illegal piracy that endangers all regional ports if Iranian ones are targeted. Tehran blames Washington for collapsing negotiations and warns of stricter Hormuz measures in response. It views the naval restrictions as escalation amid an ongoing war.
Qatari Perspective
Doha calls on the US and Iran to protect freedom of navigation and avoid using sea routes for pressure. Mediators encourage ongoing contact between the sides to de-escalate. The foreign minister stresses restraint to prevent broader disruptions.
- The Strait of Hormuz spans 21 miles at its narrowest, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
- Iran's IRGC Navy pioneered explosive-laden speedboat tactics during the 1980s Tanker War.
- Pakistan has historically mediated US-Iran tensions, including 2023 prisoner swaps.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
