On Wednesday, the United States halted Iran’s sea-based trade while signaling a potential return to negotiations, raising hopes for a breakthrough even as military pressure intensifies.
US Blocks Iran Trade As Talks Resume
President Donald Trump said talks with Iran could resume within days in Pakistan, expressing optimism despite ongoing tensions.
“I think you’re going to be watching an amazing two days ahead,” Trump told ABC News. He also said he did not expect a two-week ceasefire ending April 21 to be extended.
According to a post by reporter Jonathan Karl on X, Trump said, “A deal is preferable because then they can rebuild.”
He added, “They really do have a different regime now. No matter what, we took out the radicals.”
At the same time, the U.S. military announced it had effectively shut down Iran’s maritime trade.
Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, said American forces had “completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea” within 36 hours of launching the blockade.
Vice President JD Vance, who led recent talks, said he remained cautiously optimistic but acknowledged deep mistrust, reported Reuters.
“You are not going to solve that problem overnight,” he said.
Pakistan, with support from Army Chief Asim Munir, is expected to host the next round of negotiations, though no formal date has been set.
US Moves To Block Iran Shipping In Strait Of Hormuz
On Sunday, Trump said the U.S. would block Iran-linked ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran failed to reopen the waterway, escalating tensions after stalled nuclear talks.
Trump said Iran’s actions disrupted global shipping and raised concerns about mines in the route.
He said he was briefed by Vance and other officials after talks in Islamabad ended without a deal.
He added that the U.S. Navy had been ordered to stop ships entering or leaving the strait, remove mines and intercept vessels accused of paying illegal tolls to Iran.
Vance said the failed agreement was “bad news for Iran much more than” for the U.S. and emphasized that Washington’s priority remained preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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