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US Enforces Hormuz Blockade as Mediators Race to Salvage Iran Peace Deal

The US military has officially commenced a naval blockade against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz following the expiry of a deadline set by President Trump. Despite the escalation, mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are continuing talks with both nations in an effort to bridge divides and secure a lasting peace deal before the ceasefire expires on April 21. President Trump confirmed the blockade's start, warning Iran's remaining fast-attack ships would be "immediately eliminated" if they approach, while also considering resuming strikes if Iran does not change course. A US official framed the blockade as part of ongoing negotiations, aiming to prevent Iran from using the strategic waterway as leverage.

Key Points: US Iran Blockade Begins, Mediators Push for Lasting Peace

  • US naval blockade of Hormuz begins
  • Mediators continue talks for deal
  • Trump threatens resumed strikes
  • Blockade seen as negotiation tactic
  • Ceasefire set to expire April 21
2 min read

Mediators push for lasting peace even as Hormuz blockade begins, reports Axios

US naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz commences as Pakistani, Egyptian, Turkish mediators work to bridge gaps before ceasefire expires April 21.

"We are not in a complete deadlock. The door is not closed yet. Both sides are bargaining. It's a bazaar. - Regional Source"

Washington DC, April 13

With the US military naval blockade against Iran officially commenced following the expiry of the deadline established by US President Donald Trump, mediators continue talks with the US and Iran to bridge gaps and reach a deal to end the war, Axios reported, citing a regional source and a US official.

As per the report by Axios, Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish mediators will continue talks with the U.S. and Iran in the coming days.

The report noted that all parties still believe a deal is possible and the mediators hope that bridging the divide could enable another round of negotiations before the ceasefire expires on April 21.

According to Axios, US President Trump is considering resuming strikes if a U.S. naval blockade doesn't make Iran change course, sources said.

It mentioned that the targets could include infrastructure Trump threatened to attack before the ceasefire was announced.

Citing a US official, Axios said that the blockade, like the U.S. decision to walk away from the talks in Pakistan, is part of the ongoing negotiations.

The official claimed Trump wants to prevent Iran from using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in the ceasefire negotiations.

"We are not in a complete deadlock. The door is not closed yet. Both sides are bargaining. It's a bazaar," the regional source said according to Axios.

Meanwhile, the US President confirmed that the Naval Blockade of the Hormuz Strait has begun.

"Iran's Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated - 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, "fast attack ships," because we did not consider them much of a threat. Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea. It is quick and brutal. P.S. 98.2% of Drugs coming into the U.S. by Ocean or Sea have STOPPED! Thank you for your attention to this matter," he said in a post on X.

The enforcement of the blockade at Iranian ports was also confirmed by the UK Maritime Organisation. (ANI)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Glad to see Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey mediating. The world needs more voices from our region in global diplomacy, not just the usual Western powers. Hope they can broker a deal before April 21. The "bazaar" analogy is so apt for these negotiations!
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Aman W
Trump's statement reads like a social media rant, not a presidential address. Comparing a nation's navy to drug dealers is undiplomatic and inflammatory. This kind of language makes peaceful resolution much harder. The mediators have a tough job.
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Sarah B
The UK confirming the blockade is significant. It shows broader Western alignment. While stability is needed, Iran cannot be allowed to hold global shipping hostage. A firm stance might be necessary, but hope talks succeed.
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Vikram M
As an Indian, my primary concern is the impact on our economy and diaspora in the Gulf. Many Indians work in the UAE and Qatar. Any war will put them at risk and hurt remittances. Our MEA should be on high alert.
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Karthik V
The report says the blockade itself is part of negotiations—a pressure tactic. It's a high-stakes game. Let's hope cooler heads prevail. The region has suffered enough conflict. We need lasting peace, not just another temporary ceasefire.

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