Trump says US blockade on Iranian ports has begun. Live updates

PresidentDonald Trumpon Monday said a blockade on Iran’s ports and coastlines went into effect and that leaders from the Middle Eastern country called to facilitate another round of negotiations after peace talks fell apart over the weekend.

“I can tell you we've been called by the other side,” Trump told reporters outside the Oval Office. “They'd like to make a deal very badly, very badly.”

The blockade began at 10 a.m. ET and encompassed “vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” according to U.S. Central Command. Trump on social media threatened to “kill” any Iranian warships that approach the blockade.

A spokesperson for the Iranian military said the maritime restrictions amounted to “piracy” and threatened to retaliate by attacking the ports of Iran’s Gulf neighbors. No incidents were reported in the opening hours of the blockade. Oil prices surged back above $100 a barrel on fears of a prolonged conflict and energy disruptions.

Trump did not say whether the U.S. would enter into another round of peace talks. A two-week ceasefire remains active, but is being tested by the naval blockade and Israel's continued strikes on Lebanon. Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran failed in Pakistan, officials announced Sunday, with both countries blaming each other for the impasse.