Tensions have risen after the first U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks collapsed, and President Donald Trump has signaled he could take a harder line.
On the 12th (local time), Trump shared a story from the conservative outlet Just the News on his Truth Social platform. The piece said the U.S. could deploy a “maritime blockade” using naval assets if Iran rejects Washington’s proposal.
Just the News, founded by investigative reporter John Solomon, is known for its pro-Trump slant. The article cited a prior U.S. operation near Venezuela that constrained oil exports and argued Washington could apply similar pressure on Iran.
It said if Iran sought to control transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. could position forces outside the strait to disrupt shipping. The article also raised the prospect of diplomatic pressure on China and India, both buyers of Iranian oil.
The talks in Islamabad ran about 21 hours but collapsed after negotiators failed to bridge differences on core issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions and control of the strait. Vice President JD Vance announced the outcome, saying, “Iran did not clearly pledge to abandon nuclear weapons.”
While negotiations were under way, Trump attended a UFC event at Miami’s Kaseya Center. He watched the fight alongside Dana White, his eldest daughter Ivanka Trump, and Sen. Marco Rubio.
Trump did not issue a separate official statement beyond sharing the article. Still, he has a history of signaling policy direction by amplifying outside content that aligns with his views, making the move noteworthy.
Defense and energy analysts warn that an actual maritime blockade would likely disrupt global oil supply chains and push international oil prices sharply higher.
By Sangmok Lee
