U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced a naval blockade on Iran, declaring that American forces would intercept ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. The move followed the collapse of peace talks in Islamabad after Iran refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump warned that any Iranian vessels approaching the blockade would be destroyed, claiming that Iran’s navy had already suffered heavy losses. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the blockade’s initiation, stating it would cover all Iranian coastal areas but would not disrupt international transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian leaders rejected the threat, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf vowing not to yield and warning of severe retaliation. The Revolutionary Guard Corps labeled the U.S. action as “piracy” and released footage showing U.S. destroyers retreating after Iranian warnings. Britain, Russia, Spain, and China criticized the blockade, calling it reckless and harmful to global stability.

Following Trump’s announcement, global oil prices rose by 7 percent to $102.29 per barrel, while U.S. crude climbed 8 percent to $104.24. Germany responded to the energy shock by announcing temporary fuel tax cuts to ease domestic pressure.