News Screen – United States President Donald Trump warned of sinking Iranian ships that defy Washington’s naval blockade around Iranian ports, amid international efforts to maintain a ceasefire.
Trump delivered this warning on Monday, April 13 2026, to coincide with the coming into force of the United States military blockade on shipping activities to and from Iranian ports from 14.00 GMT.
In statements on social media, Trump said much of Iran’s naval power had been weakened. He emphasized that any Iranian fast attack ships approaching the blockade zone would be “immediately eliminated”.
Also Read: Iranian Revolutionary Guard Threatens Enemies in the Strait of Hormuz, Tensions Heat Up After US Blockade
This policy emerged after talks between the US and Iranian delegations in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without an agreement to end the conflict that has been going on since February 28, 2026.
US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that Washington’s position remains the demand for control of Iran’s enriched uranium and the existence of a verification mechanism to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
“The ball is now in Iran’s court. We have explained our limitations very clearly,” said Vance.
However, the two-week ceasefire previously agreed is still in effect. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that diplomatic efforts were continuing to bridge the differences between the two countries.
From the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of being the cause of the negotiation deadlock because of demands that were considered excessive.
Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called for the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and avoiding using maritime routes as a tool of political pressure.
This blockade sparked global concern because it covered Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, although ships bound for non-Iranian ports were still allowed to pass through.
The Chinese government also criticized the move, emphasizing that the stability and smooth running of international trade in the region is in the world’s common interests.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned of the humanitarian impact of the conflict, with around 20,000 sailors reportedly trapped in the Gulf region.
Iran’s military denounced the blockade as an act of “piracy” and warned that regional security would be compromised if its ports were threatened. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital route for global energy trade, are increasing.
In the midst of this situation, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed establishing a defensive multinational mission with Britain to maintain the security of shipping lanes, while Russia offered to store Iran’s uranium as part of a diplomatic solution.
Until now, negotiations are still ongoing, but military escalation and political pressure mean that the prospects for peace in the Middle East region remain uncertain.***
