Effective April 13, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) began enforcing a naval blockade of all traffic to and from Iranian ports on President Donald Trump’s orders, with the President determined to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as the continued ceasefire between the U.S., Israel and Iran entered its second week.
In announcing the blockade on April 12, CENTCOM noted that the only ships that would be blocked were those traveling to and from Iranian ports: “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in accordance with the President’s proclamation. The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.”
But that other traffic would be allowed: “CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.”
On April 12, President Trump announced the blockade on Truth Social, saying that while U.S.-Iranian talks in Islamabad, Pakistan had gone well enough, Iran was still determined to keep enriching uranium and was still extorting the world by blocking the strait: “So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not. 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. At some point, we will reach an ‘ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT’ basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen by merely saying, ‘There may be a mine out there somewhere,’ that nobody knows about but them. THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted.”
The President added, “Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so. This caused anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and Countries throughout the World. They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their ‘mine droppers,’ have been completely blown up. They may have done so, but what ship owner would want to take the chance?”
So, now it’s up to the U.S. Navy—and the U.S. delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The President also expressed gratitude to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for mediating the continued talks: “I have been fully debriefed by Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, on the meeting that took place in Islamabad through the kind and very competent leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan. They are very extraordinary men, and continuously thank me for saving 30 to 50 million lives in what would have been a horrendous War with India.”
Pakistan appears to be the key relationship the President has cultivated, with Prime Minister Sharif appearing deeply indebted and grateful to President Trump for intervening in 2025 to prevent a catastrophic war between Pakistan and India. Now, that good will is paying off as Pakistan works to bring the two sides together, to do for the U.S. and Iran what Trump had done for Pakistan and India a year ago. Here, the real trump card, besides the President’s blockade, appears to be Sharif, who is appearing as a true partner for peace that the President can depend on. He’s really trying.
In announcing the ceasefire a week ago, on April 7, Sharif stated on X, “With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY… Both parties have displayed remarkable wisdom and understanding and have remained constructively engaged in furthering the cause of peace and stability. We earnestly hope, that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days!”
And as of April 13, as far as Sharif was concerned, the ceasefire was holding, telling his cabinet in a televised address: “Today, the ceasefire still stands. As I am talking to you, matters that are not resolved, full efforts are underway to resolve them… And it is a result of Pakistan’s sincere efforts that the ceasefire still holds.”
But, it might take a while to get a wider deal: “if you look through history — take the Oslo Agreement, the Geneva Accord, the Good Friday Agreement … it took months and sometimes years to end hostilities and establish peace…” Sharif is right.
In fact, the talks were historic, Sharif noted, “It was the first time that the two delegations sat face-to-face. I am a witness to it.” It’s true. For the first time in 47 years following the Iranian Revolution and embassy hostage crisis, the U.S. and Iran engaged in direct bilateral talks that finally stand a chance to end this war once and for all. Trump got them to the table. This is truly a breakthrough.
Undoubtedly there will be fits and starts over the coming days and weeks, but this could be the beginning of the end. But there are still a few details to work out, namely removing the already enriched uranium and getting the strait opened. Stay tuned.
Robert Romano is Executive Director of Americans for Limited Government Foundation.
