Trump hints Iran talks could resume this week as US maritime blockade continues

Trump Indicates Resumption of Iran Talks as Blockade Continues

President Donald Trump suggested that discussions to conclude the Iran conflict might begin this week, following the collapse of weekend negotiations. The US has maintained a maritime blockade of Iranian ports, aiming to restrict the country’s access to international trade routes. This action has sparked uncertainty about the viability of a planned two-week ceasefire, which will expire shortly.

“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 remarked during an interview with the New York Post.

The US military reported that no vessels had navigated through the blockade in the initial 24 hours, highlighting the strictness of the measure. However, ship-tracking data from BBC Verify revealed at least four Iranian-linked vessels had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global oil and gas transport. Two of these ships had earlier been at Iranian ports, while three others, unaffiliated with Iran, also breached the blockade.

Initial talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without agreement, with the US asserting Iran had not met its conditions. A major issue was Iran’s nuclear program, as the US proposed a 20-year halt to uranium enrichment. Iran, however, sought a five-year pause, according to sources in US media. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund warned that the ongoing conflict could lead to a global economic downturn, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the blockade, calling the economic impact “worthwhile for long-term security.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed optimism about renewed negotiations, stating it was “highly probable” that talks would recommence. Gulf, Pakistani, and Iranian officials indicated that diplomatic teams from Washington and Tehran could return to Pakistan later this week, though a specific date has not been confirmed. The prospect of continued dialogue eased oil market volatility, with benchmark prices dropping below $100 on Tuesday.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, following US and Israeli strikes on February 28, has disrupted critical global trade. The US has deployed over a dozen warships and around 10,000 military personnel to enforce the blockade, targeting Iran’s economic resources. By blocking access to ports and imposing tolls on ships traversing the strait, the US seeks to weaken Tehran’s financial standing.

Separately, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to direct talks after discussions in Washington, following Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah. This marks the first such meeting since 1993, with both sides describing the session as “productive” and “a new era of peace.” A US official clarified that these talks are unrelated to the Islamabad negotiations between the US and Iran.