WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the U.S. Navy will immediately begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz after marathon peace talks with Iran in Islamabad ended without a deal, escalating tensions in a conflict that has already disrupted nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies for more than six weeks.

In a series of Truth Social posts and a Fox News interview, Trump declared the blockade “effective immediately,” instructing U.S. forces to prevent any ships from entering or leaving the critical waterway and to interdict vessels in international waters that paid tolls to Iran. He accused Tehran of “world extortion” and warned that the U.S. military is “locked and loaded” and prepared to “finish up the little that is left of Iran” at an appropriate moment.

The announcement came hours after Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation, confirmed that 21 hours of face-to-face negotiations with Iranian officials produced no agreement and no scheduled follow-up sessions. Pakistani mediators urged both sides to preserve the fragile two-week ceasefire that began April 8, but disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program, regional proxies and control of the strait appear to have deadlocked the talks.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint between Iran and Oman, normally carries about 20% of the world’s seaborne crude oil and significant liquefied natural gas. Iran effectively restricted most commercial traffic after U.S. and Israeli strikes began in late February, laying naval mines and warning of attacks on unauthorized vessels. Ship-tracking data shows traffic at well below 10% of normal levels, with hundreds of tankers stranded inside the Persian Gulf and only a handful of mostly Iran-linked ships transiting daily.

Trump’s blockade threat adds a new layer of complexity to an already paralyzed waterway. U.S. Central Command reported that two Navy guided-missile destroyers recently transited the strait as part of mine-clearing efforts, though Iran claimed the vessels retreated after warnings. Pentagon officials have said Iran may have lost track of some mines laid haphazardly during the fighting, raising safety risks even for limited traffic.

International reaction was swift and largely critical. Analysts described the move as potentially illegal under international law and warned it could trigger a wider regional war or severe economic shock. Oil prices, which eased slightly on initial ceasefire news, climbed again amid fears of prolonged disruption. Asian importers such as China, Japan and South Korea — heavily dependent on Gulf energy — face higher costs and possible shortages.

Iran responded sharply, with officials calling the crisis a “self-made problem” for the United States and asserting that no one can “close a closed strait.” Tehran has maintained that passage is possible only under its military coordination and, in some reports, with payment of transit fees that Trump labeled extortion. Iranian media suggested any U.S. blockade would worsen global disruptions without resolving underlying issues.

The conflict erupted in late February when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, missile facilities and military infrastructure. Iran retaliated by restricting the strait and launching attacks on regional targets. A fragile ceasefire took hold earlier this month after Trump set a deadline tied to reopening the waterway, but ongoing Israeli actions in Lebanon and disputes over sanctions relief and nuclear dismantlement have strained the pause.

U.S. officials claim the earlier strikes severely degraded Iran’s capabilities, destroying much of its navy, missile production and air defenses. Iran insists it retains the ability to defend its territorial waters and influence shipping through asymmetric means, including fast boats and coastal defenses.

Global shipping companies remain cautious. Major carriers have rerouted vessels or kept them idling, citing skyrocketing war-risk insurance and unresolved mine threats. Environmental groups raised concerns about potential spills or drifting mines affecting fishing grounds and coastal ecosystems in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

In Congress, reactions split along partisan lines. Some Republicans supported strong action to counter Iranian aggression, while Democrats questioned whether the president has sufficient authorization for a blockade without congressional approval. Sen. Mark Warner, ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he would review any supplemental funding request for the conflict but emphasized the need for clear legal grounding.

Maritime experts note that implementing a full blockade would require significant naval resources and coordination with allies, many of whom have urged de-escalation. Former officials, including some who served in previous administrations, called the move risky but potentially necessary to reassert freedom of navigation if Iran continues restricting traffic.

As of Sunday evening, no immediate naval movements confirming the start of a physical blockade were reported beyond existing U.S. presence in the region. Trump indicated in his Fox interview that full implementation would take “a little while,” suggesting a phased approach focused first on intercepting toll-paying vessels.

The collapse of talks in Islamabad leaves the two-week ceasefire on shaky ground, with its expiration approaching on April 22. Neither side outlined next steps, though Pakistani officials expressed hope that back-channel diplomacy could resume.

For global markets and energy security, the stakes are enormous. A prolonged closure or active blockade of the strait could push oil prices well above $100 per barrel and disrupt fertilizer and chemical shipments critical for agriculture. Alternative routes around Africa add time and cost, straining supply chains already under pressure.

The situation also tests alliances. Gulf states, caught between Iran and the U.S., have called for unconditional reopening to stabilize energy markets. European and Asian governments have quietly urged restraint while preparing contingency plans for energy shortfalls.

Trump’s announcement underscores his administration’s hard-line stance: the strait must open fully and safely without Iran profiting or imposing conditions. Iran, meanwhile, views the waterway as sovereign territory where it can enforce security and seek compensation for damages from the conflict.

As night fell in the region, shipping data showed continued minimal activity. Live trackers indicated sparse movements, mostly outbound Iranian vessels, with commercial operators holding position outside the area.

The coming days will test whether Trump’s blockade threat prompts Iran to ease restrictions or leads to further confrontation. U.S. forces in the Gulf remain on high alert, while diplomatic channels through third parties like Pakistan and Oman may offer the only path back from escalation.

For now, the world’s most vital energy artery remains a flashpoint where military posturing, economic pressure and failed negotiations collide, with global consequences hanging in the balance.

At a press conference in Westminster, Tice said Quidnet Reit Ltd was “a UK company paying UK tax in accordance with UK laws”, adding there was no “obligation” to pay the maximum tax required and suggested few people would likely take such a decision.

The U.S. Oil & Gas Association (USOGA) fired back at Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., on Saturday night, rebuking narratives from Democrats in the deep blue state about gas prices, which include high state taxes.

“High gas prices in your district aren’t ‘Trump’s war’ — they’re Sacramento’s doing,” the X account run by USOGA President Tim Stewart wrote in a direct response to Khanna.

“California drivers pay nearly double the national average in state taxes, plus cap-and-trade, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, unique reformulated gasoline, refinery limits, and geographic isolation that blocks cheap imports,” he added. “That adds $1.00–$1.78+ over the U.S. average.”

Khanna was attempting to blame Trump for Saturday’s gas prices near his congressional office.

NEWSOM KNOCKED FOR ‘INSANE’ CALIFORNIA GAS PRICES AFTER BLAMING TRUMP FOR RISING COSTS

Rep. Ro Khanna is blaming President Donald Trump for rising gas prices, but he wants to tax the oil higher, something the U.S. Gas & Oil Association says historically fails to lower costs on consumers. (Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images)

“Trump’s immoral and reckless war in Iran has shot up gas prices in my district to nearly $6 a gallon,” Khanna wrote in a Saturday X post, sharing a video of him standing in front of a gas station price menu in his Santa Clara, California, district, blaming the “illegal and immoral war in Iran.”

“Stop the war, stop exporting our crude oil, and pass my windfall profits tax on Big Oil to give Americans a rebate for their gas bills,” he said.

OIL CEO URGES NEWSOM TO DO THE ‘MATH’ AS CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR VOWS TO STOP OFFSHORE DRILLING

Stewart’s X post also rejected Khanna’s calls for a further “windfall profits tax on Big Oil,” saying history should be the guide and arguing windfall profits tax policies historically backfire.

“They don’t work,” the post read. “While you don’t call it a windfall profits tax, California recently passed one and called it a ‘wealth tax’ now you see high net worth individuals fleeing your state. History proves it backfires.”

In the post, USOGA cited the 1980 federal windfall profits tax reduced domestic production, increased imports and generated less revenue than expected before its repeal.

GAS PRICES SURGE, PINCHING AMERICANS AND HANDING THE GOP A NEW MIDTERM HEADACHE

“Your proposed windfall profits tax will do nothing to bring relief to your overtaxed and underappreciated constituents,” he continued. “Instead – suspend those state-level taxes first and bring California prices in line with the national average. Put your state bureaucracy on a diet. They could stand to shed a few pounds. Encourage California domestic oil and gas production and expand your refinery capacity instead of shutting it down. Stand up to your Governor. You know he is wrong and you can be on the right side of things.”

Khanna recently reintroduced the Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act, framing it as consumer relief.

OIL, GAS PRICES JUMP AS TRUMP FLIRTS WITH STRIKING IRANIAN OIL INFRASTRUCTURE

A sign shows gasoline prices approaching $8 a gallon at a Mobil station in Los Angeles on Oct. 5, 2023, under President Joe Biden. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

“Your repeated sponsorship of a new Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act would repeat the exact same mistake — shrinking U.S. output and raising costs,” USOGA’s post added.

TRUMP SAYS US ‘OBLITERATED’ TARGETS IN STRIKE ON KEY IRANIAN OIL HUB

Stewart’s post concluded with a warning to end the war on oil and allow capitalism to bring costs down for consumers.

“Please stop shifting blame to ‘Trump’s war’ or federal policy while California’s own choices keep your constituents paying the highest pump prices in America,” the post finished. “Real relief comes from more American supply + streamlined permitting, not recycled 1980s taxes or more restrictions. Energy abundance, not rhetoric, lowers prices and bolsters U.S. and allied security.”

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Energy Secretary Chris Wright also weighed in on the battle for lower gas prices in the high-tax states.

“President Trump got elected on an energy dominance agenda, and he got elected to represent 342 million Americans, every American in every state — including in California,” Wright wrote on X. “We don’t care what state you’re from; we want every citizen to have access to affordable energy.”

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SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry returned to the Golden State Warriors’ lineup earlier this month after missing more than two months with a nagging right knee injury, but the 37-year-old superstar is still navigating a careful ramp-up as the NBA regular season winds down and the play-in tournament approaches.

Curry, who last played on Jan. 30 before being sidelined by patellofemoral pain syndrome — commonly known as “runner’s knee” — and an associated bone bruise, made his season comeback April 5 against the Houston Rockets. In that game, he came off the bench and poured in 29 points, including five 3-pointers, in a 117-116 loss. It marked his first action in 27 consecutive games missed, during which the Warriors went 9-18 without their franchise face.

The four-time NBA champion has since appeared in just two games, with the team prioritizing his health over regular-season finales. He sat out Thursday night’s home contest against the Los Angeles Lakers due to knee injury management, resting as part of a back-to-back to avoid three games in four nights during his limited ramp-up. Coach Steve Kerr confirmed Curry would play Friday against the Sacramento Kings, describing him as “doing well” while acknowledging the need for caution.

“Steph’s doing well,” Kerr said before the Lakers game. “Just with the ramp-up, playing the last two games and three in four nights to end the season, it makes the most sense to give him tonight… he’ll be good to go Friday night.”

The decision reflects broader concerns for Golden State as it fights for positioning in the Western Conference play-in. With Curry’s availability critical to any postseason hopes, the Warriors are leaning on a veteran core that includes recent additions like Kristaps Porzingis and potentially Al Horford. Kerr expressed hope that all three could share the floor soon, though Porzingis and Horford have dealt with their own availability issues.

Curry has spoken openly about the grueling rehabilitation process. In recent comments, he described the knee as feeling “great” but noted the recovery took longer than expected.

“It’s been a long, long process, longer than I thought,” Curry said. “But I’m just happy to have a little clarity… there’s nothing structurally wrong with my knee, so it’s not like I’m in danger of anything long-term. Right now, I kind of understand what the new normal is and it’s good enough to play.”

The injury first surfaced in early February, forcing Curry to miss the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. At the time, Kerr hoped for a return shortly after the break, but setbacks extended the absence into late March. By early April, Curry participated in full 5-on-5 scrimmages, signaling progress in the return-to-play protocol. He was re-evaluated over the weekend of April 4-5 and cleared for limited action against the Rockets.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome involves irritation around the kneecap, often exacerbated by repetitive stress — fitting for a player renowned for his deep shooting range and explosive movement. The bone bruise added complexity, requiring a conservative approach to prevent further damage. Warriors medical staff monitored Curry closely, incorporating live practices and scrimmages before greenlighting his return.

In his limited games back, Curry has shown flashes of his trademark brilliance, though minutes have been capped to manage workload. Teammates and fans erupted in cheers when he checked in against Houston, a testament to his enduring popularity and importance to the franchise.

The Warriors enter the final stretch in a precarious spot. Without Curry for much of the second half of the season, they slipped in the standings but secured a play-in berth. Now, the focus shifts to maximizing his availability for those high-stakes games. Draymond Green has voiced confidence that Curry won’t be shut down, emphasizing the star’s desire to compete regardless of how many regular-season contests remain.

“Steph wants to play, whether there is one regular-season game left or five,” Green said in late March.

Golden State’s supporting cast has stepped up in spots, but the offense clearly misses Curry’s gravity and playmaking. Opponents have dared others to beat them, leading to inconsistent results. With Curry back — even in a limited role — the dynamic changes, as defenses must account for his off-ball movement and long-range threat.

As of Sunday, April 12, reports indicated Curry was set to play in upcoming matchups, including potential contributions alongside Porzingis and Horford for the first time this season. Quinten Post was listed as out with a foot issue, while Draymond Green and others carried questionable tags for back-related concerns. The team continues to emphasize load management for its aging but talented roster.

Curry’s career has been defined by resilience and highlight-reel moments. A two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star, he revolutionized the game with his shooting and helped lead the Warriors to four championships. At 37, questions about longevity naturally arise, but he has repeatedly defied expectations.

This latest injury tested not just his body but the Warriors’ season trajectory. The team averaged competitive play without him but lacked the spark to dominate. His return, though measured, injects optimism heading into the postseason push.

Looking ahead, the priority remains clear: get Curry healthy and integrated for games that matter most. Kerr and the staff have calibrated minutes carefully, avoiding the temptation to rush him in front of home crowds for sentimental reasons. Thursday’s rest against the Lakers, for instance, ensured he wouldn’t face LeBron James in the regular season but preserved energy for Sacramento and beyond.

Fans and analysts alike watch closely. Social media buzzed with highlights from Curry’s 29-point outing, with many praising his quick adjustment despite the long layoff. His first game off the bench since 2012 added a novel element, yet the results spoke volumes.

For the Warriors, the path forward involves balancing short-term health with long-term contention. Curry has expressed understanding of his “new normal,” accepting that full explosiveness may take time while committing to contribute effectively.

NBA insiders note that similar knee issues have plagued players in the past, with recovery timelines varying based on individual response. Curry’s case benefited from no structural tears, allowing a focus on inflammation reduction and strengthening rather than surgical intervention.

As the regular season concludes, Golden State eyes the play-in with guarded hope. A healthy Curry dramatically improves their ceiling, potentially turning a first-round exit risk into a series threat. Teammates have rallied around him, with veterans providing leadership during his absence.

Curry himself remains philosophical. The exhaustive rehab — involving daily treatments, targeted exercises and mental preparation — reinforced his appreciation for the game. He aims not just to return but to peak when it counts, eyeing a deep playoff run if the knee cooperates.

The broader NBA landscape adds context. With stars across the league managing various ailments, load management has become standard, especially for players in their late 30s. Curry’s situation mirrors others, where teams weigh present performance against future availability.

Warriors ownership and front office have invested in depth, acquiring pieces like Porzingis to complement Curry and Green. The hope is a synergistic lineup that maximizes spacing and defense.

Friday’s game against the Kings offered another test. With Curry expected back, the Warriors sought rhythm and chemistry. Outcomes there, and in remaining contests, will shape seeding and momentum.

Ultimately, this injury saga underscores Curry’s centrality. The Warriors are a different team with him — more dynamic, more dangerous, more entertaining. His absence highlighted vulnerabilities; his presence reignites possibilities.

As April progresses toward the play-in, all eyes remain on No. 30. Stephen Curry’s latest update brings cautious optimism: he’s back, he’s progressing, and he’s determined to lead Golden State as far as his knee — and his legendary shot — will allow.