The United States escalated its standoff with Iran on Monday (April 13) as President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that "The United States to Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports on April 13 at 10:00 AM ET", a move that follows his Sunday declaration of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The back-to-back announcements mark a dramatic hardening of Washington's posture in the now seven-week-old conflict.&nbsp;The pressure campaign comes in the wake of the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad. Following 21 hours of marathon talks mediated by Pakistan, Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Saturday that the two sides had failed to reach a breakthrough. Tehran accused Washington of making excessive demands and acting in bad faith, with Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson citing a lack of sincerity from the American side.&nbsp;On Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social to announce the Strait blockade. "Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," he wrote, while contemplating that "At some point, we will reach an 'ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT' basis."&nbsp;Notably, US Central Command clarified that the blockade would not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the strait to and from non-Iranian ports, a significant qualification that narrows the scope of Trump's sweeping initial announcement.&nbsp;Iran hits back: ‘Security is for everyone or for no one’&nbsp;Iran responded swiftly and sharply. Citing a statement from the spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, state broadcaster IRIB declared that maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be maintained collectively, &nbsp;and warned that a threat to Iranian ports would be a threat to the entire region.&nbsp;"The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and firmly declare that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for no one. If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe," the statement read.&nbsp;Iran further reiterated that its armed forces would continue enforcing security in its territorial waters with "determination," that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz, and that other ships would only be allowed passage subject to regulations set by Iranian authorities. Iran's military adviser to the supreme leader, Mohsen Rezaee, separately declared that the nation "will not allow" such an embargo and claimed it has "great untapped leverage to counter it."

Iran reiterated that its armed forces would continue enforcing security in its territorial waters with "determination," that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States escalated its standoff with Iran on Monday (April 13) as President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that "The United States to Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports on April 13 at 10:00 AM ET", a move that follows his Sunday declaration of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The back-to-back announcements mark a dramatic hardening of Washington's posture in the now seven-week-old conflict. The pressure campaign comes in the wake of the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad. Following 21 hours of marathon talks mediated by Pakistan, Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Saturday that the two sides had failed to reach a breakthrough. Tehran accused Washington of making excessive demands and acting in bad faith, with Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson citing a lack of sincerity from the American side. On Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social to announce the Strait blockade. "Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," he wrote, while contemplating that "At some point, we will reach an 'ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT' basis." Notably, US Central Command clarified that the blockade would not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the strait to and from non-Iranian ports, a significant qualification that narrows the scope of Trump's sweeping initial announcement. Iran hits back: ‘Security is for everyone or for no one’ Iran responded swiftly and sharply. Citing a statement from the spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, state broadcaster IRIB declared that maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be maintained collectively, and warned that a threat to Iranian ports would be a threat to the entire region. "The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and firmly declare that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for no one. If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe," the statement read. Iran further reiterated that its armed forces would continue enforcing security in its territorial waters with "determination," that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz, and that other ships would only be allowed passage subject to regulations set by Iranian authorities. Iran's military adviser to the supreme leader, Mohsen Rezaee, separately declared that the nation "will not allow" such an embargo and claimed it has "great untapped leverage to counter it."

Iran reiterated that its armed forces would continue enforcing security in its territorial waters with "determination," that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump orders Iran port blockade, Tehran warns no Gulf port will be safe

Russia and China on Tuesday (April 07) vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even after the draft had been repeatedly watered down in hopes of securing support from Moscow and Beijing. The vote was 11 in favour, two against, and two abstentions. &nbsp;took place just hours before an 8 PM Eastern deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the strategic waterway or face strikes on its power plants and bridges.&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil consumption. Iran's effective blockade, implemented following US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has triggered a global energy crisis, sending energy prices soaring.&nbsp;The original draft, tabled by Bahrain and Gulf allies, had included the phrase "all necessary means," a specific code in UN diplomatic language for authorising military force, including offensive strikes. The phrase was removed entirely after Russia, China, and France argued it would effectively legalise a full-scale invasion of Iran.&nbsp;Even the watered-down version, however, failed to survive the veto. Eleven nations, including the US, UK, France, and Bahrain, voted in favour of the resolution. Russia and China vetoed it, condemning it as a pretext for war. Pakistan and Colombia abstained, both seeking a diplomatic alternative.&nbsp;Reacting sharply to the veto, the US ambassador delivered a scathing address to the Council, warning that the consequences of the obstruction would be felt globally.&nbsp;"Today's veto marks a new low," the ambassador said, adding, &nbsp;"In the coming days, when critical shipments are delayed, the world will know who chose obstruction over responsibility."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-embassy-in-iran-advises-nationals-to-stay-indoors-for-48-hours-as-trump-s-hormuz-deadline-looms-1775584058612">Indian embassy in Iran advises nationals to stay indoors for 48 hours as Trump's Hormuz deadline looms</a>&nbsp;The ambassador placed the blame squarely on Iran and its countries friendly with Tehran, drawing pointed references to the relationships between the vetoing powers and Tehran.&nbsp;"Iran must stop attacking and open the Strait of Hormuz. Russia has chosen to be a military supplier to Iran, while Iran has supplied hundreds of UAVs to Russia. China, meanwhile, imports 80% of Iran's illicit oil," the ambassador said.&nbsp;Invoking the broader stakes for the Middle East, the ambassador reaffirmed Washington's commitment to its regional partners. "The United States stands firmly with its partners in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz is too vital to be choked by any one state. We stand with Bahrain and the people of the Gulf. This is a time for choosing," the ambassador said.&nbsp;Concluding his address, the US ambassador drew on Iran's long and contentious history with Washington to frame the current crisis.&nbsp;"We are here because of the path Iran's regime has chosen for decades. Forty-seven years ago, Iran took dozens of Americans hostage. Today, it holds the Strait of Hormuz hostage. This could be Iran's last act," the ambassador said.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Reacting sharply to the veto, the US ambassador delivered a scathing address to the Council, warning that the consequences of the obstruction would be felt globally.

Russia and China on Tuesday (April 07) vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even after the draft had been repeatedly watered down in hopes of securing support from Moscow and Beijing. The vote was 11 in favour, two against, and two abstentions. took place just hours before an 8 PM Eastern deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the strategic waterway or face strikes on its power plants and bridges. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil consumption. Iran's effective blockade, implemented following US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has triggered a global energy crisis, sending energy prices soaring. The original draft, tabled by Bahrain and Gulf allies, had included the phrase "all necessary means," a specific code in UN diplomatic language for authorising military force, including offensive strikes. The phrase was removed entirely after Russia, China, and France argued it would effectively legalise a full-scale invasion of Iran. Even the watered-down version, however, failed to survive the veto. Eleven nations, including the US, UK, France, and Bahrain, voted in favour of the resolution. Russia and China vetoed it, condemning it as a pretext for war. Pakistan and Colombia abstained, both seeking a diplomatic alternative. Reacting sharply to the veto, the US ambassador delivered a scathing address to the Council, warning that the consequences of the obstruction would be felt globally. "Today's veto marks a new low," the ambassador said, adding, "In the coming days, when critical shipments are delayed, the world will know who chose obstruction over responsibility." Also Read: Indian embassy in Iran advises nationals to stay indoors for 48 hours as Trump's Hormuz deadline looms The ambassador placed the blame squarely on Iran and its countries friendly with Tehran, drawing pointed references to the relationships between the vetoing powers and Tehran. "Iran must stop attacking and open the Strait of Hormuz. Russia has chosen to be a military supplier to Iran, while Iran has supplied hundreds of UAVs to Russia. China, meanwhile, imports 80% of Iran's illicit oil," the ambassador said. Invoking the broader stakes for the Middle East, the ambassador reaffirmed Washington's commitment to its regional partners. "The United States stands firmly with its partners in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz is too vital to be choked by any one state. We stand with Bahrain and the people of the Gulf. This is a time for choosing," the ambassador said. Concluding his address, the US ambassador drew on Iran's long and contentious history with Washington to frame the current crisis. "We are here because of the path Iran's regime has chosen for decades. Forty-seven years ago, Iran took dozens of Americans hostage. Today, it holds the Strait of Hormuz hostage. This could be Iran's last act," the ambassador said. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Reacting sharply to the veto, the US ambassador delivered a scathing address to the Council, warning that the consequences of the obstruction would be felt globally.

Diplomatic setback for US as Russia and China veto UN resolution on Hormuz reopening

US President Donald Trump on Friday (April 03) said the United States could “open” the Strait of Hormuz and “take the oil” if given more time, even as the White House proposed a massive $1.5 trillion defence budget amid the ongoing Iran war.&nbsp;“With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, &amp; MAKE A FORTUNE. It would be a ‘gusher’ for the world???” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.&nbsp;However, the post did not explain how Washington would end Iranian control over the key waterway or clarify which oil resources he was referring to.&nbsp;Since the start of the war in West Asia on February 28, Iran has effectively restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing shipments through the vital route to minimal levels in retaliation for the US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and key figures in the regime and the IRGC.<h2>White House proposes record defence budget</h2>Meanwhile, the White House has sent a spending proposal to lawmakers seeking a record $1.5 trillion US defence budget for the next fiscal year, citing increased costs linked to the Iran war.&nbsp;The proposal marks the largest year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending since World War II, according to US media reports. However, presidential budgets remain proposals and require approval from Congress.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-ship-crosses-strait-of-hormuz-after-macron-backs-iran-s-sovereignity-1775218647423">French-owned ship crosses Strait of Hormuz as Macron backs Iran's sovereignty</a>&nbsp;“The budget builds upon the historic $1 trillion overall defence topline for 2026 and requests $1.5 trillion in total budgetary resources for 2027,” the document stated. “This represents a $445 billion, or 42 per cent, increase from the 2026 total resource level.”&nbsp;Earlier, on March 19, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon is seeking a $200 billion emergency supplemental funding request to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth defended the proposal, saying “it takes money to kill bad guys,” and stressed the urgent need to replenish US munitions stockpiles.&nbsp;The request aims to cover the high operational “burn rate” of the conflict, which reportedly cost an estimated $12.7 billion in its first six days alone, and includes funding for thousands of strikes carried out against Iranian infrastructure.

The defence budget proposal marks the largest year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending since World War II, according to US media reports. However, presidential budgets remain proposals and require approval from Congress.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (April 03) said the United States could “open” the Strait of Hormuz and “take the oil” if given more time, even as the White House proposed a massive $1.5 trillion defence budget amid the ongoing Iran war. “With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. It would be a ‘gusher’ for the world???” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. However, the post did not explain how Washington would end Iranian control over the key waterway or clarify which oil resources he was referring to. Since the start of the war in West Asia on February 28, Iran has effectively restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing shipments through the vital route to minimal levels in retaliation for the US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and key figures in the regime and the IRGC. White House proposes record defence budget Meanwhile, the White House has sent a spending proposal to lawmakers seeking a record $1.5 trillion US defence budget for the next fiscal year, citing increased costs linked to the Iran war. The proposal marks the largest year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending since World War II, according to US media reports. However, presidential budgets remain proposals and require approval from Congress. Also Read: French-owned ship crosses Strait of Hormuz as Macron backs Iran's sovereignty “The budget builds upon the historic $1 trillion overall defence topline for 2026 and requests $1.5 trillion in total budgetary resources for 2027,” the document stated. “This represents a $445 billion, or 42 per cent, increase from the 2026 total resource level.” Earlier, on March 19, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon is seeking a $200 billion emergency supplemental funding request to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth defended the proposal, saying “it takes money to kill bad guys,” and stressed the urgent need to replenish US munitions stockpiles. The request aims to cover the high operational “burn rate” of the conflict, which reportedly cost an estimated $12.7 billion in its first six days alone, and includes funding for thousands of strikes carried out against Iranian infrastructure.

The defence spending proposal marks the largest year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending since World War II, according to US media reports. However, presidential budgets remain proposals and require approval from Congress.

Trump says US can open Hormuz with ‘a little more time’ as White House seeks record $1.5 trn defence budget amid Iran war

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis assured no increase in fuel prices. As “international crude prices have gone through the roof in the last 1 month from around $70/barrel to around $122/barrel.” And consequently, petrol and diesel prices for consumers have gone up all over the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-war-with-iran-iran-issues-ultimatum-to-us-israel-as-war-rages-on-1774577708418/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-war-with-iran-iran-issues-ultimatum-to-us-israel-as-war-rages-on-1774577708418/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Puri also highlighted that the prices have increased by around 30%-50% in South East Asian countries, 30% in North American countries, 20% in Europe and 50% in African countries. While, India “had two choices- either increase prices drastically for citizens as all other nations have done or bear the brunt on its finances so that Indian citizen is insulated from international volatility.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-10-days-and-waiting-customers-wait-as-petroleum-minister-assures-lpg-cylinder-delivery-in-2-5-days-1773332064916">'10 days' and waiting...: Customers wait as petroleum minister assures LPG cylinder delivery in 2.5 days</a>&nbsp;He also said that the Modi administration has been committed for the last 4 years since the conflict in Russia and Ukraine began. The government decided to take a hit on its own finances again to safeguard the Indian citizens. The government has taken a huge hit to its tax revenues to ensure very high losses for oil companies, with petrol at approximately Rs24/litre and diesel at Rs30/litre, despite international prices being sky-high. At the same time, export tax has been levied as international prices of petrol and diesel have skyrocketed, and any refinery exporting to foreign nations will have to pay export tax.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As the Strait of Hormuz blockade drives fuel prices to record highs in the US and Europe, the Indian government slashes excise duties to ensure domestic stability.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis assured no increase in fuel prices. As “international crude prices have gone through the roof in the last 1 month from around $70/barrel to around $122/barrel.” And consequently, petrol and diesel prices for consumers have gone up all over the world. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-war-with-iran-iran-issues-ultimatum-to-us-israel-as-war-rages-on-1774577708418/embed Puri also highlighted that the prices have increased by around 30%-50% in South East Asian countries, 30% in North American countries, 20% in Europe and 50% in African countries. While, India “had two choices- either increase prices drastically for citizens as all other nations have done or bear the brunt on its finances so that Indian citizen is insulated from international volatility.” Also read: '10 days' and waiting...: Customers wait as petroleum minister assures LPG cylinder delivery in 2.5 days He also said that the Modi administration has been committed for the last 4 years since the conflict in Russia and Ukraine began. The government decided to take a hit on its own finances again to safeguard the Indian citizens. The government has taken a huge hit to its tax revenues to ensure very high losses for oil companies, with petrol at approximately Rs24/litre and diesel at Rs30/litre, despite international prices being sky-high. At the same time, export tax has been levied as international prices of petrol and diesel have skyrocketed, and any refinery exporting to foreign nations will have to pay export tax.

As the Strait of Hormuz blockade drives fuel prices to record highs in the US and Europe, the Indian government slashes excise duties to ensure domestic stability.

As Hormuz blockade drives up Western fuel costs, Indian govt assures supply and stable rates

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Trump orders Iran port blockade, Tehran warns no Gulf port will be safe

Setback for US as Russia and China block UN resolution on Hormuz reopening

Trump says US could open Hormuz amid push for record $1.5 trn defence spending

Fuel prices surge in West; India cuts taxes amid Hormuz crisis