Trump Vows To Destroy Iranian Warships That Get Near U.S. Blockade
The United States imposed a naval blockade on all Iranian ports and coastal areas on April 13, 2026, escalating tensions in the West Asia conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. A fragile two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran had been in place until recent peace talks in Islamabad collapsed without agreement.
President Donald Trump announced the measure, effective at 1400 GMT, warning that US forces would intercept, divert, or capture unauthorized vessels and destroy any Iranian fast-attack ships approaching the blockade. He claimed Iran’s navy had been “completely obliterated” and vowed to eliminate Iranian warships nearing the restricted zone. The blockade covers all vessel traffic irrespective of flag but permits neutral passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships heading to or from non-Iranian destinations.
Iran responded sharply, threatening ports across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Iranian armed forces condemned the US restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz as illegal “piracy” and announced plans for a permanent mechanism to control the waterway. Officials declared that security in the region would be “either for everyone or for no one,” warning that no port would remain safe.
ALSO READ : NASA’s Artemis II Astronaut Says Earth Is “Impossibly Beautiful”
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint carrying about one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies—with 80 per cent destined for Asian markets—has emerged as a major flashpoint. Earlier in the conflict, Iran had restricted traffic through the strait. In anticipation of the blockade, oil tankers diverted away from the area, contributing to immediate market disruptions and heightened global economic fragility.
Financial markets reacted swiftly to the developments. Oil prices jumped more than 8 per cent, with Brent crude rising above $100 a barrel to $102.80 and West Texas Intermediate reaching $104.88. Wheat futures climbed nearly 2 per cent amid concerns over potential shortages of fuel and fertilizers. Stock indices in South Korea, China, and Hong Kong recorded declines, while luxury brands in Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported sales drops of 30-50 per cent due to the ongoing conflict.
Gold prices eased 0.4 per cent to $4,726.64 per ounce as investors weighed inflation risks from the oil surge and stalled talks. ASEAN countries, heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy, introduced conservation measures such as four-day work weeks for civil servants and encouraged remote work in nations including the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
International reactions varied. Israel expressed full support for the US action, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating coordination with Washington and accusing Iran of violating the talks. China called the reports of arms supplies to Iran “baseless smears,” urged restraint, and emphasised the need to uphold the ceasefire while ensuring safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom and France indicated they would not back the blockade and proposed a separate “peaceful multinational mission” for the strait. Russia criticised the move for its potential harm to global markets, noting it could keep up to two million barrels of Iranian oil per day off the market.
Other developments on April 13 included Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, where troops surrounded Bint Jbeil and reported killing over 100 Hezbollah fighters. Humanitarian efforts continued, with India dispatching a third consignment of 20 tonnes of medicines to Iran. The United Nations maritime chief reiterated that no country has the right to close the Strait of Hormuz under international law.
As the blockade took effect, the conflict continued to impose significant economic pressures worldwide, with ripple effects on energy prices, trade routes, and regional stability.