U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz following failed ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
Over the weekend, representatives from the countries spoke for 21 hours in Islamabad, Pakistan in an effort to broker an agreement.
The U.S. has since announced that no ships en route to or from Iran will be allowed to enter or exit the Strait from 12am (AEST).
Here’s what that means.
Context
Last week, the U.S, Israel, and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire.
Among the agreements was Iran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key international oil passage.
Soon after, Iran accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire by continuing to strike Lebanon.
The U.S. and Israel disputed that Lebanon was included in the agreement.
In response, Iran declared it would keep the Strait closed.
Negotiations
On Saturday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were among those involved in ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad. Israel was not involved.
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Araghchi said the countries had come close to an agreement called a memorandum of understanding (MoU), but had not signed anything.
"We have been at it now for 21 hours... the bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that’s bad news more for Iran than for the United States of America.” - JD Vance speaking to press after unsuccessful ceasefire talks in Islamabad.
Blockade
On Sunday (local time), Trump announced the U.S. Navy would begin a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, applying to vessels attempting to leave or enter the waterway.
Hours later, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on X that its forces would begin the blockade at 10am on 13 April (12am 14 April AEST).
“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,” it said.
CENTCOM clarified that vessels transiting through the Strait to or from non-Iranian ports will not be impacted.
Response
Iranian Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf addressed the blockade in a post to X, telling the U.S. it will “be nostalgic” for current fuel prices.
UK media reports the British Government will not assist the U.S. in the blockade.
Similarly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Australia has not been asked by the U.S. to help with the blockade.
“I want to... wake up in the morning and see that peace has broken out, on a permanent basis,” he said.
