Trump hints Iran talks could resume this week as US maritime blockade continues
Trump hints Iran talks could resume this week as US maritime blockade continues
President Donald Trump suggested renewed discussions to resolve the conflict with Iran might begin this week, following the collapse of recent negotiations. The US has maintained a maritime blockade on Iranian ports, aiming to disrupt the country’s access to global trade routes. Trump’s comments came during an interview with the New York Post, where he hinted at the possibility of resuming talks in Islamabad.
“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there [Islamabad],” Trump said.
The blockade, enforced by a fleet of US warships and over 10,000 military personnel, has reportedly prevented any vessels from passing through Iranian ports in its first 24 hours. This action has raised concerns about the durability of a two-week ceasefire agreement, which is set to expire next week. Despite the blockade, ship-tracking data revealed at least four Iran-linked vessels had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route, during the same period.
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since it faced US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28. The US military’s intervention is intended to target Iran’s oil revenue and tolls from ships using the waterway. Central Command noted that six merchant vessels had turned back to Iranian ports, but BBC Verify identified three non-Iranian ships also navigating the strait.
UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed confidence that negotiations could restart, calling it “highly probable.” Meanwhile, Gulf and Pakistani officials indicated that diplomatic teams from Washington and Tehran might reconvene in Pakistan later this week. The situation has eased oil market volatility, with benchmark prices dropping below $100 on Tuesday.
Initial talks in Islamabad over the weekend stalled, with the US insisting Iran had not met its demands. A major point of contention was Iran’s nuclear program, as the US proposed a 20-year freeze on uranium enrichment. Tehran countered with a five-year suspension, according to sources. The conflict has drawn warnings from the International Monetary Fund, which cautioned that prolonged hostilities could trigger a global economic downturn.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the blockade, stating that “a small bit of economic pain” is acceptable for long-term security. China, however, called the measure “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning it would worsen tensions. Separately, Israel and Lebanon announced direct talks in Washington, marking the first such meetings since 1993. The Lebanese ambassador labeled the discussions “productive,” while the Israeli ambassador called it a “new era of peace.”
A US official clarified that the Israel-Lebanon talks were unrelated to the ongoing US-Iran negotiations, emphasizing that the focus remained on resolving the standoff through diplomatic channels.
