Trump refuses to lift Iran port blockade

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump has said Washington will not ease its blockade on Iranian ports until a formal agreement is reached with Tehran, as uncertainty continues over a possible second round of peace talks.

In a statement shared on his platform Truth Social, Trump claimed the blockade — imposed about a week ago — is severely impacting Iran, asserting that the United States holds the upper hand in the ongoing standoff.

The remarks come as a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday, with no confirmation yet on whether fresh negotiations will take place in Islamabad.

Security has been tightened in Islamabad ahead of the expected talks. However, US Vice President JD Vance has not yet departed from Washington, while Tehran has indicated it has not made a final decision on participation.

According to United States Central Command (Centcom), US forces have already turned back at least 27 vessels attempting to access Iranian ports since the blockade began. In a significant escalation, US troops intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel after it attempted to breach the blockade, marking the first such action in the current conflict.

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Iran has condemned the seizure as an act of piracy and a violation of the fragile ceasefire. Meanwhile, Tehran has maintained restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz for nearly two months, a move that has disrupted global shipping and driven up energy prices. Although briefly reopened, the route was quickly shut again following reports of vessel targeting in the area.

Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire, saying Tehran had escalated tensions, while Iranian officials insisted the strait would remain closed until the US lifts its blockade.

Despite the tensions, there are indications that a second round of negotiations may still be held. Following earlier talks, JD Vance noted that Washington had not secured agreement from Iran on key demands, while Iran’s foreign ministry urged the US to avoid imposing excessive conditions.

If held, the next round of talks is expected to include US envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. However, it remains unclear who will represent Iran.

Preparations are visibly underway in Islamabad. At the Serena Hotel Islamabad, where previous discussions took place, guests have reportedly been asked to vacate rooms, while authorities have announced road closures in anticipation of high-level delegations. Pakistani officials remain optimistic that Tehran will eventually join the talks.