Goa, April 13 -- US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the American Navy will begin a maritime blockade targeting access to Iranian ports via the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions following the collapse of high-level talks with Tehran.

According to the US Central Command (Centcom), the blockade will come into effect at 10 am ET on Monday (7:30 pm India time) and will apply to all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports. Centcom said the measure would be enforced "impartially" against ships of all nationalities operating in Iranian coastal waters, including the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

However, the US clarified that the Strait of Hormuz itself will not be fully shut. Neutral transit th...