President Trump’s decision to extend the U.S.-Iran ceasefire indefinitely includes a critical caveat: the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. “I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able,” Trump wrote in his Tuesday Truth Social post.
The U.S. military says it has forced 28 ships to turn back since the blockade began earlier this month. The blockade was imposed after an initial round of ceasefire talks in Islamabad ended without agreement. Trump ordered the measure to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz and to apply additional economic leverage.
However, maritime data analysis firm Lloyd’s List has tracked “shadow fleet” vessels continuing to move in and out of Iranian ports despite the blockade, suggesting enforcement is imperfect and Iran retains some export capacity through opaque channels.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has repeatedly denounced the blockade. “This constitutes a grave breach of international law, a clear violation of the ceasefire, and an act of aggression marked by the hallmarks of piracy,” the Iranian mission to the U.N. wrote in a letter shared on X. The U.S. in turn has accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by firing on vessels in the strait.
The blockade remains a central sticking point in negotiations. Iranian officials have signaled they want an end to the blockade and access to $6 billion in frozen assets before agreeing to broader terms. Trump has said he agreed to the original ceasefire on condition that the Strait of Hormuz be fully reopened — a condition Iran has not met.