Major Setback For Donald Trump As Allies Refuse To Join Strait Of Hormuz Blockade

Washington: Following the failure of 21 hours of marathon talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, tensions in the Middle East escalated further on Monday (April 13), reaching a critical peak. US President Donald Trump has announced a major naval blockade, stating that the US military will commence a blockade of all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports starting this afternoon (14:00 GMT / 10:00 AM ET)—or 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time.

The US asserts that, within the Strait of Hormuz, it will intercept and search any vessels that have paid tolls to Iran or are bound for Iranian ports. However, vessels bound for non-Iranian ports will be granted safe passage. With this announcement, the countdown to the implementation of Trump's warning has officially begun.

Conversely, Iran's armed forces have issued a blunt and stern warning: if the security of its ports is threatened, then no port in the region will remain safe. Labeling the US blockade as an act of "maritime piracy," Iran declared that these strategic waterways would be "either safe for everyone or safe for no one." According to the 'Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting' (IRIB), "Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of ​​Oman will be either for all or for none." The Iranian military asserted, "No port in this region will remain safe."

What Stance Did the British PM Take?

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has clarified that his country will not participate in any US-led naval blockade against Iran. He emphasized that Britain would not be dragged into a war with Iran. Starmer stated that his priority is to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open for navigation, noting that its closure is disrupting global energy markets and driving up electricity and gas bills for consumers. He stated, “This is not our war, and we will not get entangled in it.”

What position has the Australian PM taken?

Similarly, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also stated that he has received no request from the US to join the blockade, and that he favors upholding international maritime law. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed hope that the issue regarding the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane would be resolved through diplomatic channels in the near future. He indicated that certain adjustments to its regulations might be possible. He also proposed extending the current ceasefire by 45 to 60 days to facilitate further dialogue between the U.S. and Iran.

What did the US Central Command announce?

Separately, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that this blockade “will be enforced against vessels of all nations without discrimination.” However, it also clarified that vessels traveling between non-Iranian ports would still be permitted to transit through the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. official noted that the objective of this move is to demonstrate the limits of Iran's influence, particularly as diplomatic negotiations have stalled.

What Is Impact on Shipping Traffic in Strait of Hormuz?

It is worth noting that this conflict, now in its seventh week, has already claimed thousands of lives and thrown global markets into disarray. Amidst this escalating tension, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted. Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported that, following President Trump’s warning, all traffic within the Strait of Hormuz has come to a standstill. Reported also indicate that two vessels attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz reportedly turned back. This occurred just as limited shipping traffic had begun to resume following a brief lull in hostilities.