United States imposes naval blockade on Iranian ports as NATO allies decline participation
Following the collapse of negotiations in Islamabad to end the six-week conflict with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of all traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports. The operation, managed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), began at 14:00 GMT on Monday and specifically targets ships connected to Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. While Trump initially suggested broader traffic control, the military clarified that the blockade does not restrict international transit through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels bound for non-Iranian destinations. NATO allies, including Britain and France, formally refused to join the U.S. action, emphasizing the importance of keeping the vital oil transit route open. Iranian armed forces described the blockade as illegal piracy and threatened that no port in the region would remain safe if their own facilities were compromised. Tensions remain high as President Trump continues to consider limited military strikes, despite internal friction regarding his threat to withdraw U.S. troops from Europe. Iran maintains that protecting its coastal waters is a sovereign right and warned that it will strictly control transit for vessels associated with hostile powers.