Trump Orders Naval Blockade on Iranian Oil After Peace Talks Collapse

President Trump announced a naval blockade on all Iranian oil shipments beginning at 10 a.m. this morning, following this weekend's failed face-to-face negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan.

U.S. Central Command says it will enforce the blockade on all Iranian ports and coastal areas, though ships traveling between non-Iranian ports will not be stopped. Trump framed the move as economic pressure, saying, "Other nations are working so that Iran will not be able to sell oil. And that will be very effective."

Iran's armed forces warned they would consider any U.S. warships approaching the Strait of Hormuz a violation of the current two-week ceasefire.

The talks collapsed over what Vice President JD Vance called the administration's core demand: a firm commitment that Iran will not pursue a nuclear weapon. "We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon," Vance said. "We haven't seen that yet. We hope that we will."

For people watching their wallets, the blockade is already having consequences. Oil prices surged and stock futures fell on the news, and Trump acknowledged gas prices may not come down before November's midterm elections, saying they could stay "around the same, or maybe a little bit higher."

When asked how long he'd wait for Iran to return to the table, Trump was direct: "I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine. Their military is gone."

Adding to the tension, new U.S. intelligence reportedly suggests China is planning to supply Iran with additional air defense weapons in the coming weeks. Trump said if that happens, he would hit China with a 50% tariff.