US Threatens Strait of Hormuz Blockade; Oil Tops $100

Iran has branded the US plan for a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as “illegal piracy”, even as crude oil prices surged past $100 a barrel on Monday amid mounting tensions following failed peace talks.

CENTCOM Sets Blockade Timeline  

US Central Command announced it will begin enforcing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports from 7:30 pm IST on April 13. The move follows President Donald Trump’s directive after weekend negotiations in Pakistan collapsed without a lasting ceasefire.

Iran Labels Move as Piracy  

Iran’s military central command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, issued a sharp rebuke. “The restrictions imposed by criminal America on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal and constitute an example of piracy,” the statement read on state television. It warned that if Iranian ports face any threat, “no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe.”

Blockade Targets Iranian Ports Only  

CENTCOM clarified that the restrictions will apply impartially to vessels of all nations heading to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, freedom of navigation for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will remain unaffected.

Crude Oil Prices Spike Sharply  

Oil markets reacted instantly to the announcement. Brent crude futures jumped 7.3 per cent to $102.16 a barrel by early trading, while US West Texas Intermediate surged 8.4 per cent to $104.69 a barrel. The sharp rise reversed earlier declines and added fresh pressure on global energy costs.

Failed Talks Trigger Fresh Escalation  

The blockade decision came hours after US-Iran talks in Pakistan ended without agreement. Trump indicated he was unconcerned about Tehran returning to the table, saying, “I don’t care if they come back or not. If they don’t come back, I’m fine.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had approached the discussions in good faith but faced “maximalist demands”.

India Feels Immediate Market Jolt  

The developments sent ripples through Indian markets. The Sensex crashed over 1,600 points and the Nifty fell nearly 500 points in early trade on Monday, reflecting investor fears over higher imported crude costs and inflation risks for the world’s third-largest oil importer. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz had already halted, according to maritime tracking reports.

What Lies Ahead for Region  

With the US considering additional measures including possible limited strikes, the coming hours will test whether the blockade remains strictly limited to Iranian ports or escalates further. Tehran has vowed to defend its sovereignty while maintaining that the Strait remains open under its regulations. For now, the world watches closely as this latest chapter in the US-Iran standoff unfolds, with major implications for energy security and regional stability.