Washington

A US naval blockade targeting Iran has come into effect following the expiry of a deadline set by President Donald Trump, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the development, stating that it had received reports of “maritime access restrictions” impacting Iranian ports and coastal regions, including areas along the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to UKMTO, the restrictions apply to vessels of all nationalities engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities. However, transit through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations has not been reported as affected.

The move follows the collapse of talks between US and Iranian representatives. After negotiations ended without agreement, President Trump announced that the United States Navy would begin blocking vessels attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz.

“Effective immediately, the United States Navy will begin the process of blockading ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said, adding that the operation would target vessels linked to Iranian transit payments.

He further stated that US forces would identify and board ships in international waters suspected of paying what he described as “illegal tolls” to Tehran. “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he said.

Issuing a warning to Iran, Trump cautioned that any attack on American or civilian vessels would be met with a strong military response, asserting that US forces are fully prepared for further action.

READ MORE: Ayesha Tabassum’s journey from breaking news to building narratives

The US Central Command (CENTCOM), in a statement, said the measures are specifically aimed at vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports. It confirmed that enforcement of the blockade began at 10 am ET on Monday.