Trump orders US Navy to blockade Strait of Hormuz as Iran ceasefire stalls

President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to enforce a blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, after a two-week ceasefire with Iran showed little progress. The move comes after Iran failed to follow through on commitments to reopen the waterway, which it had shut during recent hostilities, disrupting energy markets and raising tensions across the Middle East.

The administration framed the blockade as a necessary and proportional response. Officials say Trump's condition for extending the ceasefire was clear: Iran had to allow free passage through the strait. With that not happening, the U.S. has shifted back to pressure mode, using naval forces to restrict maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports. The Pentagon confirmed that warships are now monitoring and turning back non-essential vessels.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue it restores leverage and holds Iran accountable for its actions. Critics, however, warn it risks miscalculation at a volatile moment. The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil, and even the threat of full closure can send shockwaves through global markets. Oil prices edged upward Monday as traders assessed the potential for prolonged disruption.

So far, Iran has not launched any direct military response, but its leadership has issued strong statements condemning the blockade as illegal and aggressive. There are growing concerns that the situation could spiral if either side misreads the other's intentions. Regional allies, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are urging caution, while European partners have called for renewed diplomacy.

The White House insists the goal isn't war, but compliance. Trump's team believes economic pressure-particularly on Iran's oil exports and supply lines-can force a return to negotiations on U.S. terms. Yet past attempts to use isolation as leverage have had mixed results, and there's no guarantee this approach will break the current deadlock.

Behind the scenes, military planners are preparing for multiple scenarios, including the possibility of Iranian retaliation against shipping or U.S. forces in the region. The Navy has increased its presence in the Persian Gulf, and intelligence agencies are monitoring Iranian naval and proxy activity closely.

For now, the situation remains tense but contained. Whether the blockade leads to a breakthrough or a deeper crisis may depend on how Iran chooses to respond-and how long global markets are willing to wait.