A US-led blockade of Iranian ports was declared fully in effect as hopes grew that negotiations between Washington and Tehran could restart within days.
President Donald Trump told the New York Post that a second round of talks could take place “over the next two days,” with Islamabad again mentioned as a possible venue amid ongoing back-channel diplomacy. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said it was “highly probable” discussions would resume after meeting Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar.
US Central Command reported that in the first 24 hours of enforcement no vessels successfully transited the blockade. Six ships complied with US directions and returned to Iranian ports. A US official said the Gulf of Oman operation monitored vessels leaving Iranian facilities and intercepted them after they cleared the Strait of Hormuz, using automated AIS tracking alongside other methods the military declined to detail for operational security. Rules on boarding or capture were not publicly specified.
Tehran responded by threatening strikes across the region. The blockade followed weekend Islamabad talks that failed to bridge key differences, especially on how long Iran would suspend uranium enrichment — a central sticking point for the US and its allies concerned about weapons development.
Key developments
– Nuclear verification: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said any US-Iran deal needs very detailed verification measures and stressed that the duration of an enrichment moratorium would be a political decision.
– Military and regional moves: The Financial Times reported Iran used a Chinese reconnaissance satellite to improve targeting of US bases. Iran-backed Hezbollah continued attacks in northern Israel even as Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington.
– Commercial shipping: Some tankers attempted renewed Gulf transits. The Maltese VLCC Agios Fanourios I entered the Gulf on a second attempt to sail to Iraq. The sanctioned VLCC Alicia transited to load Iraqi crude. The sanctioned tanker Rich Starry briefly exited the Gulf then turned back toward the Strait of Hormuz.
– Markets and energy: Asian shares rose to six-week peaks on hopes of revived diplomacy, keeping oil below $100 a barrel. Wall Street clawed back earlier losses, the US dollar eased to six-week lows, and risk appetite improved. South Korea secured 273 million barrels of crude and 2.1 million tons of naphtha via routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the year.
– Maritime safety and repatriations: South Korea provided information to Iran, the US and Gulf states on 26 of its vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and is coordinating their safe passage. Sri Lanka repatriated more than 230 sailors from two Iranian naval vessels that were disabled after a reported US submarine attack and engine failure.
Political reactions
– US domestic: Vice President J.D. Vance warned of deep-rooted mistrust between Washington and Tehran but expressed cautious optimism about fresh negotiations.
– Presidential remarks: Trump said the Iran war was “close to over,” reiterated that an Iranian nuclear weapon would be unacceptable, and repeated criticism of Iran on social media, including a renewed attack on a figure he called “Pope Leo.”
– Regional diplomacy: US officials described the Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington as a historic opportunity, even as Hezbollah continued military action in northern Israel.
Outlook
Diplomacy remains fluid. Pakistan and other intermediaries are pressing for another negotiating round, but the blockade raises stakes for maritime traffic and global energy markets. Verification arrangements for any nuclear rollback and the length of an enrichment moratorium remain the central hurdles to a durable settlement, while military posturing and regional tensions keep the situation fragile.
