US naval blockade enters third day as Trump signals new talks
The U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has now stretched into its third day, effectively halting maritime trade in and out of Iran. Despite tensions, President Donald Trump remains optimistic, suggesting the conflict is nearing resolution and hinting at potential new discussions. However, the White House has released a statement denying any formal extension of the current ceasefire.
In response, an Iranian general issued a stark warning on Wednesday. He stated that Tehran might disrupt shipping traffic in the Red Sea and other key maritime routes if the U.S. continues its blockade of Iranian ports.
These comments came from Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of Iran’s top military command, the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters. His remarks were broadcasted by Iranian state television, as reported by Middle East Eye.
Aliabadi emphasized that the ongoing U.S. blockade threatens the security of Iran’s commercial and oil shipping activities, potentially undermining the current U.S.-Iran ceasefire, according to the news outlet.
He further asserted that Iran’s robust military forces would prevent any exports or imports from proceeding in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea if the blockade persists.
Meanwhile, joint naval exercises between Iran and Russia are taking place at the Port of Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz in Hormozgan, Iran, as of February 19, 2026. This is according to images shared by the Iranian Army and captured by Anadolu/Getty Images.
The White House, when asked by Fox News Digital for comment, provided a statement from press secretary Karoline Leavitt that said, “President Trump, Vice President Vance and the negotiating team have made the U.S. redlines very clear.”
“The Iranians’ desperation for a deal will only increase with President Trump’s highly effective Naval blockade now in effect, which is sending oil tankers towards the big, beautiful Gulf of America,” Leavitt said.
U.S. Central Command released a statement Wednesday saying the U.S. stopped nine vessels attempting to break the blockade on Iranian ports. Fox News is told all nine were oil tankers.
A senior U.S. defense official also confirmed to Fox News on Wednesday a report from Reuters that a U.S. destroyer interdicted two oil tankers that were trying to leave Iran on Tuesday.
U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that “U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the assets executing a blockade mission impacting Iranian ports.” (CENTCOM)
A U.S. official told Reuters that the ships left Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman before being contacted by the U.S. warship through radio communication.
“During the first 48 hours of the U.S. blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, no vessels have made it past U.S. forces,” U.S. Central Command said Wednesday.
A ship is seen passing through the Strait of Hormuz during a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Shady Alassar/Anadolu/Getty Images)
“Additionally, 9 vessels have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area,” it added.
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