WASHINGTON — The United States military will blockade Iranian ports starting Monday at 10:00 a.m. ET, U.S. Central Command announced, less than a day after peace talks with Iran in Pakistan broke down.
The blockade will be enforced “impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports or coastal areas,” according to a CENTCOM statement reported by the BBC. CENTCOM added it would “not impede” vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz that are traveling to or from other countries.
The talks in Pakistan — led by Vice President J.D. Vance for the United States — lasted 21 hours but failed after Iran declined to commit to abandoning its nuclear weapons program, according to the Associated Press.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the two sides were “inches away” from a deal before Tehran was met with “maximalism” and “shifting goalposts.”
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation, said the country would not “surrender under threats.” In a post on X, he mocked President Donald Trump over the blockade plans, writing: “Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called ‘blockade’, Soon you’ll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas.”
Trump had warned Iran would be hit “very hard” and confirmed rejecting Tehran’s seven-day peace offer concerning the Strait of Hormuz, while saying talks could resume “over the next two days.”
China condemned the blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible.”
Separately, an explosion was reported in Tehran. The IRGC’s District 10 commander described it as a “minor explosion” blamed on “traitorous and unpatriotic elements.” Fars News reported two homemade explosive packages using liquefied gas caused three minor injuries, shattered the windows of three houses, and damaged two vehicles.
CENTCOM said it had forced 23 ships to turn around near the Strait of Hormuz since enforcement steps began, though BBC Verify tracked at least four vessels from Iranian ports that appeared to have crossed the U.S. blockade line.
