US vows Hormuz blockade as talks with Iran hang in doubt

WASHINGTON (MNTV) — The United States has declared it will maintain its naval blockade on Iranian ports until Tehran agrees to its terms, escalating pressure even as fragile ceasefire efforts hang by a thread and planned peace talks remain uncertain.

US President Donald Trump said the blockade, imposed a week ago, would not be lifted until a deal is reached, claiming it was “absolutely destroying Iran” and asserting that Washington was winning the war “by a lot.”

The remarks come as the temporary ceasefire between the two sides is set to expire on Wednesday, with no clear indication that negotiations will proceed.

Despite diplomatic efforts, uncertainty continues to surround a possible second round of talks expected in Islamabad. While Pakistan has ramped up security and logistical preparations, neither side has fully committed to attending.

US Vice President JD Vance, expected to lead Washington’s delegation, has yet to depart, while Iran has stated it has no confirmed plans to participate.

The blockade has already intensified tensions on the ground. According to US Central Command, American forces have forced at least 27 vessels to turn back or return to Iranian ports since the operation began.

US hijack of Iranian ship

In a significant escalation, US troops intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to pass through the blockade, marking the first such action in the conflict. Footage released by US authorities shows armed forces forcefully taking the ship.

Tehran condemned the move as an act of piracy and a violation of the already fragile ceasefire, accusing Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts while simultaneously claiming to pursue peace.

Iran has responded by maintaining its own restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route responsible for a significant share of the world’s energy supply. The waterway, which had been partially reopened, was quickly shut again following reports of vessels being targeted amid rising tensions.

Trump accused Iran of breaching the ceasefire, claiming Tehran had escalated by “firing bullets,” while Iranian officials insisted the closure would remain in place until the US lifts its blockade.

The standoff underscores deep divisions between the two sides. Following the initial round of talks earlier this month, US officials acknowledged that Iran had refused to accept Washington’s demands, while Tehran accused the United States of making excessive and unlawful conditions that undermine meaningful negotiations.

Talks to resume in Islamabad

Diplomatic signals remain mixed. Sources indicate that a US delegation could depart soon for Pakistan, possibly on Wednesday, but no definitive timeline has been confirmed. On the Iranian side, officials have reiterated that participation is still undecided, leaving the prospects of talks uncertain.

Meanwhile, Islamabad is preparing for a high-stakes diplomatic encounter. Hotels expected to host delegations have been cleared, roads sealed, and security tightened across key areas of the capital.

Pakistani officials are actively engaging both sides in an effort to ensure attendance, with one senior official expressing confidence that Iran could still be persuaded to join.

Observers note that neither side wants to be blamed for a collapse in talks, suggesting that diplomatic pressure may ultimately push both delegations to the table. However, with Washington continuing its coercive approach and Tehran resisting under pressure, the path to negotiations remains fragile.

As the ceasefire deadline approaches, the situation reflects a broader pattern: US military and economic escalation continues to overshadow diplomacy, raising doubts over whether meaningful dialogue can emerge under conditions defined by force.