In the wake of a failed peace negotiation between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, US President Donald Trump announced a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, which would come into effect at 10 AM on 13th April 2026. Speaking outside Air Force One, Trump stated that Iran is in a "very bad shape," emphasizing that the United States had a superior understanding of the situation. Despite the 21-hour long talks between the two nations, no agreement was reached, particularly on the issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump made it clear that the US would not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. He firmly reiterated, "Iran will NOT have a nuclear weapon," despite Tehran's persistence in its goal. When asked about the possibility of resuming talks, Trump showed indifference, declaring that he did not care whether Iran returned to the negotiating table.

The US president also harshly criticized Iran's military capabilities, claiming that Iran's military was “gone,” and its missile stockpile had been largely depleted. He boasted that the US had been restrained by only attacking one bridge in Iran, a move he justified as a response to Iran breaking its promises regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump's announcement of a blockade also included a threat to stop any ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil chokepoint. He warned that nations who paid "illegal tolls" to Iran would not be safe in the high seas. While the Iranian delegation engaged in intense talks with the US, Tehran blamed Washington for imposing “unreasonable demands,” which led to the collapse of the negotiations.