The United States military began implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening, following President Donald Trump's direct order after failed peace negotiations in Islamabad.
The blockade commenced at 7:30 pm Indian Standard Time, targeting vessels bound for Iranian ports while maintaining freedom of navigation for ships transiting to non-Iranian destinations. US forces also initiated mine clearance operations to remove explosive devices Iran allegedly placed in the waterway during the conflict.
No se permitirá que Irán se beneficie de este acto ilegal de extorsión. Quieren dinero y, más importante aún, quieren armas nucleares
Donald Trump, US President — 20minutos
The escalation follows the collapse of direct talks between Washington and Tehran in Pakistan's capital - the highest-level meeting between the two nations since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The negotiations, lasting over 20 hours, broke down over nuclear weapons and control of the Hormuz passage.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard responded defiantly, warning that any military vessel approaching the strait would be considered a ceasefire violation and face severe consequences. Iranian authorities maintain complete control over the waterway, which they closed after the US-Israel bombing campaign began.
NDTV frames the story through India's strategic lens as a major oil importer dependent on Gulf supplies, emphasizing the economic implications while maintaining diplomatic neutrality. The outlet highlights Iran's representative in India calling for international mediation, reflecting New Delhi's traditional role as a bridge between opposing powers and its concern about energy security disruptions.