Trump Announces Naval Blockade of Iran

President Donald Trump has declared the United States will begin a naval blockade of Iran. He stated the action would start "shortly" and involve other, unnamed countries. The announcement followed failed talks between the U.S. and Iran. Discussions in Islamabad did not produce a new agreement. A naval blockade is a wartime act. It uses military ships to prevent goods from reaching a country's ports. The president did not specify the legal grounds for the move or which nations would participate. International response has been swift. Several U.S. allies have expressed deep concern, calling the move a major escalation. There has been no immediate reaction from Iranian officials.