ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - US President Donald Trump said Monday a fragile ceasefire with Iran is “holding well” despite Washington preparing to impose a naval blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports following failed talks in Pakistan.
“I would say it’s holding well,” Trump told reporters early Monday, referring to the two-week ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington reached on Wednesday. In a post on Truth Social, he said that the US is going to “Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports on April 13 at 10:00 A.M.”
After the US and Israel launched their campaign against Iran on February 28, Tehran tightened control over the Strait, effectively limiting commercial access. The chokepoint handles roughly 20 percent of global seaborne oil trade, and its disruption pushed global oil prices up by 40 to 50 percent.
On Saturday, two US Navy warships transited the Strait of Hormuz to “fully clear” it of mines laid by Iran, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
Trump’s remarks come a day after high-level talks with Iran in Islamabad over the weekend failed to produce a deal.
He said the move is part of broader efforts to curb Iran’s oil exports and increase pressure on Tehran. “Other nations are working so that Iran will not be able to sell oil, and that would be very effective,” he said, adding that maritime traffic would be closely monitored to prevent shipments linked to Iran.