Frank Okon

President Donald Trump on Monday warned of additional military action against Iran, hours after U.S. naval forces began enforcing a blockade around the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

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In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran’s naval capabilities had been largely destroyed, saying the country’s fleet had been “obliterated,” with dozens of vessels sunk. He said only a small number of what Iran describes as fast attack craft remained operational, and warned they would be targeted if they approached U.S. forces.

“If any of these ships come anywhere close to our blockade, they will be immediately eliminated,” Trump said, adding that the response would be “quick and brutal.”

The blockade, which took effect earlier Monday, involves U.S. forces restricting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, part of a broader effort to increase pressure on Tehran following the collapse of nuclear talks over the weekend. The negotiations, led in part by Vice President JD Vance, broke down in Islamabad, with both sides failing to reach agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Despite the hardline stance, Trump suggested that diplomatic channels may not be entirely closed, telling reporters that Iranian representatives had signaled a willingness to resume discussions. “They’d like to make a deal very badly,” he said.

U.S. Central Command said the blockade would be enforced against vessels linked to Iranian ports, while allowing passage for ships transiting the strait to and from non-Iranian destinations. The move is aimed at challenging Iran’s control over the waterway, through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies typically pass.

Iran had earlier tightened its grip on the strait amid the broader conflict, contributing to a sharp drop in maritime traffic and raising concerns over global energy supply. Iranian officials have warned that the U.S. action could trigger retaliation, including potential threats to shipping routes and neighboring ports.

Early shipping movements on Monday reflected the uncertainty. A small number of tankers successfully navigated the strait before the blockade fully took hold, including vessels transiting near Iran’s coastline and exiting into the Gulf of Oman. However, other ships appeared to reverse course mid-journey, signaling growing caution among operators as the security situation deteriorated.

Shipping data showed at least one oil products tanker turning back near Iran’s Qeshm Island, while a bulk carrier altered its route while attempting to enter the Gulf, highlighting the immediate impact of the U.S. measures on commercial traffic.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital chokepoint for global energy markets, linking Gulf producers to international buyers. Any sustained disruption is expected to have significant implications for oil prices, supply chains, and energy security, particularly in Asia and Europe.

Trump indicated that other countries may join the U.S. effort to secure the waterway, though he stressed that Washington is prepared to act alone if necessary. “We don’t need other countries, but they’ve offered,” he said.

The situation remains highly volatile, with both Washington and Tehran signaling resolve while leaving limited room for de-escalation. Analysts warn that any direct confrontation in the narrow and heavily trafficked strait could quickly spiral into a broader regional conflict.