US not to lift Hormuz blockade before reaching a deal with Iran

Ceasefire efforts are ongoing, and one round of discussions has already taken place. Preparations for a second round of talks in Pakistan are also underway. However, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty regarding new negotiations with Iran.

He said the United States will not lift the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz until an agreement is reached with Tehran. This was reported by the British media outlet BBC.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed that the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which began a week ago, was completely devastating Iran. He noted that his country was winning the war by a wide margin.

The ceasefire period is set to expire tomorrow, Wednesday. However, uncertainty has arisen over whether Iran will attend the new round of talks in Islamabad. Despite this, Pakistan has kept the stage ready for negotiations and has implemented strict security measures. If the talks proceed, the United States will be represented by Vice President J.D. Vance, who has not yet departed for Pakistan. Meanwhile, Iran states that a final decision regarding their participation has not yet been made.

According to data from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), U.S. forces have blocked 27 vessels since the start of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, they seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that attempted to break the blockade. Iran has characterized these actions as piracy and a violation of the ceasefire.

Earlier, Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz following a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28. Approximately 25% of the world's total oil supply is transported through this strait. Iran had lifted its blockade after the ceasefire began, but that move was not long-term. Last week, the United States announced a new blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to announce its own blockade in response.