US to Close Strait of Hormuz: Reaction to Failed Iran Talks and Oil Price Surge

13.04.2026 | International news

The US announces the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to the failed negotiations with Iran regarding the nuclear program. This leads to a surge in oil prices and optimistic statements from Donald Trump.

Снимка от The White House from Washington, DC, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The US Central Command announced that it will close the Strait of Hormuz today at 10 AM Eastern Time or 5 PM Bulgarian time.

This happens after the failure of negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Pakistan this Saturday, where the countries failed to agree on the Iranian nuclear program. In response, Donald Trump announced the closure of the strait by US forces, and the passage of vessels to and from Iranian ports will not be allowed. In addition, a request has been made to prosecute all those who have paid a fee to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also announced the mining of the strait by Iran, which necessitates a demining operation.

The threat led to a 7% jump in the price of Brent crude oil, reaching $102 a barrel. Nevertheless, Trump expressed optimism, claiming that “Very good things are happening on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz.” He added that the truce is stable because “the Iranian army has been defeated” and that other countries will assist so that Iran cannot sell oil.