US Naval Blockade in Strait of Hormuz Begins; Iran Calls it 'Piracy'
The United States enforces a naval blockade on Iranian-linked shipping near the Strait of Hormuz; Iran warns of retaliation as global markets react; reports of truce talks resuming between Iran and the US
April 14, 2026 - The United States has officially begun a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, enforced around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. President Donald Trump warned on Monday (April 13) that US forces may attack Iranian “fast-attack” boats approaching the American naval blockade.
The US clarified that it is only blocking ships linked to Iranian ports, not all global shipping. According to a Reuters report, a Chinese tanker sanctioned by Washington has passed through the Strait despite the US blockade.
Iran has strongly condemned the move as “piracy” and a violation of sovereignty and international law. Tehran warned that if its ports are targeted, it could make the entire region’s ports unsafe and retaliate militarily.
The world is calling for the ceasefire to be respected and truce talks to resume. UN chief Antonio Guterres has stressed that the ceasefire “must absolutely be preserved”. China’s Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun has warned the US against the Hormuz blockade saying, "We have trade and energy agreements with Iran; we expect others not to interfere in our affairs.”
Markets are reacting more to possible negotiations than the blockade itself. Oil prices briefly spiked above $100/barrel, then dipped below $100 on diplomacy hopes. Financial markets remain volatile but not in panic mode.
The ceasefire after nearly six weeks of conflict in the Middle East appears to be holding but is under serious strain.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Iran and US are expected to go back to the negotiating table soon before the two-week term of the ceasefire ends. According to AP, fresh talks are likely to be held in Geneva or Pakistan on Thursday (April 16). Although diplomacy is still ongoing but remains very fragile. Both sides signal a willingness to negotiate, but the US demands strict nuclear limits while Iran wants sanctions relief and strategic control.
US Vice President JD Vance, who was part of the truce talks in Islamabad which collapsed, has said the US would be happy to treat Iran “like a normal country” if it did not pursue nuclear weapons.
With Media Inputs
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