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US naval blockade enters third day as Trump signals new talks
The tension in the Strait of Hormuz has escalated as the U.S. naval blockade reaches its third day, effectively stalling maritime trade to and from Iran. Despite the ongoing standoff, President Donald Trump has expressed optimism, suggesting that the conflict may soon reach a resolution and hinting at the possibility of renewed negotiations. However, the White House has issued a statement denying any formal extension of a ceasefire agreement.
In a bold statement from Tehran, an Iranian general issued a stark warning on Wednesday. He indicated that Iran might obstruct maritime traffic in the Red Sea and other crucial regional shipping lanes if the U.S. continues its blockade of Iranian ports.
These comments were delivered by Major General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, a senior official at Iran’s top military command, Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters. The remarks were broadcast on Iranian state television and reported by the Middle East Eye.
Aliabadi cautioned that the U.S. blockade threatens the security of Iran’s commercial vessels and oil tankers, potentially breaching the current U.S.-Iran ceasefire. He warned, “The powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.
“The powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea,” Aliabadi reportedly added.
Units from Iran and Russia conduct joint naval drills at the Port of Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz in Hormozgan, Iran, on Feb. 19, 2026. (Iranian Army/Anadolu/Getty Images)
The White House, when asked by Fox News Digital for comment, provided a statement from press secretary Karoline Leavitt that said, “President Trump, Vice President Vance and the negotiating team have made the U.S. redlines very clear.”
“The Iranians’ desperation for a deal will only increase with President Trump’s highly effective Naval blockade now in effect, which is sending oil tankers towards the big, beautiful Gulf of America,” Leavitt said.
U.S. Central Command released a statement Wednesday saying the U.S. stopped nine vessels attempting to break the blockade on Iranian ports. Fox News is told all nine were oil tankers.
A senior U.S. defense official also confirmed to Fox News on Wednesday a report from Reuters that a U.S. destroyer interdicted two oil tankers that were trying to leave Iran on Tuesday.Â
U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that “U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the assets executing a blockade mission impacting Iranian ports.” (CENTCOM)
A U.S. official told Reuters that the ships left Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman before being contacted by the U.S. warship through radio communication. Â
“During the first 48 hours of the U.S. blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, no vessels have made it past U.S. forces,” U.S. Central Command said Wednesday.
A ship is seen passing through the Strait of Hormuz during a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Shady Alassar/Anadolu/Getty Images)
“Additionally, 9 vessels have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area,” it added.Â