Hopes rose for a resumption of talks between the United States and Iran as the U.S. military said a blockade of Iranian ports was fully in effect and Tehran threatened strikes across the region.
President Donald Trump told the New York Post that a second round of negotiations could occur “over the next two days,” with Islamabad again mentioned as a possible venue as back-channel diplomacy continued. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said it was “highly probable” talks would restart after meeting Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar.
The U.S. Central Command said in the first 24 hours of enforcement no vessels had passed the blockade; six ships complied with U.S. directions to turn back to Iranian ports. A U.S. official described the Gulf of Oman operation as observing vessels leave Iranian facilities and intercepting them after they clear the Strait of Hormuz, relying on more than automated AIS tracking though details were withheld for operational security. Officials did not specify boarding or capture rules.
Iran responded with threats to strike targets across the war-weary region. The blockade declaration followed weekend talks in Islamabad that failed to resolve key differences, notably how long Tehran would suspend uranium enrichment — a sticking point for the U.S. and its allies who fear weapons development.
Key developments and context
– Nuclear verification: IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said any US-Iran deal must include “very detailed” verification measures, and that the length of any enrichment moratorium would be a political decision.
– Military and regional moves: Tehran was reported to have used a Chinese spy satellite to improve targeting of U.S. bases, according to the Financial Times. Iran-backed Hezbollah continued firing in northern Israel as Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington.
– Commercial shipping: Some tankers have reattempted Gulf transits. The Maltese VLCC Agios Fanourios I entered the Gulf on a second attempt to head to Iraq. The US-sanctioned VLCC Alicia transited to load Iraqi crude. The sanctioned Rich Starry turned back to the Strait of Hormuz after briefly exiting the Gulf.
– Energy and markets: Asian shares rose to six-week peaks on hopes of revived talks, which capped oil prices under $100 a barrel. Wall Street recovered earlier losses incurred since the conflict began. The U.S. dollar eased to six-week lows as risk appetite improved. South Korea secured 273 million barrels of crude and 2.1 million tons of naphtha through routes outside the Strait of Hormuz for the rest of the year.
– Maritime safety and repatriations: South Korea provided information to Iran, the U.S. and Gulf states about 26 of its vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz and is working to secure their safe passage. Sri Lanka repatriated more than 230 sailors from two Iranian naval vessels that had been distressed after a U.S. submarine attack and engine failure.
Political and diplomatic reactions
– U.S. domestic: Vice President JD Vance warned of deep-rooted mistrust between Washington and Tehran but expressed cautious optimism about fresh negotiations after the Islamabad talks.
– Presidential remarks: Trump said the Iran war was “close to over” and reiterated harsh criticism of Iran on social media, calling it unacceptable for Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon and renewing an attack on “Pope Leo” in a Truth Social post.
– Regional diplomacy: Lebanon and Israel’s Washington meeting was described by U.S. officials as a “historic opportunity,” though Hezbollah opposed the talks and continued military action in the north of Israel.
Selected live updates (headlines and brief notes)
– UN nuclear chief urges strict Iran checks in any deal to end war — Grossi calls for detailed verification.
– War is over for Wall Street: stocks, dollar, fear index unwind moves — Markets diverge as stocks recover but oil stays costly.
– South Korea secures 273 million barrels of crude via routes outside Strait of Hormuz — Supplies rerouted to avoid Hormuz risk.
– Asian shares scale six-week peak on hopes for US-Iran peace talks — Risk appetite lifted regionally.
– South Korea provides information about vessels stuck in strait — Seoul coordinating with Iran, U.S., Gulf states on 26 ships.
– Safe-haven dollar at six-week lows on hopes of fresh Iran talks — Dollar retreats as markets rally.
– Sri Lanka repatriates over 230 Iranian sailors — Crew returned after incidents at sea.
– JD Vance flags deep ‘mistrust’ between US-Iran talks ahead of fresh talks — Political obstacles noted despite optimism.
– Iran used Chinese spy satellite to target US bases: Report — FT reports enhanced Iranian targeting capability.
– Lebanon, Israel hold first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington — Talks described as productive but preliminary.
– Trump hints at new Iran talks as Hormuz standoff intensifies — Blockade announced after Islamabad talks stalled.
– VLCC Agios Fanourios I succeeds in entering Gulf on second attempt — Tanker heads to load Basra crude.
– VLCC Alicia enters Gulf to load oil at Iraq — Sanctioned vessel moving to Iraq for cargo.
– Sanctioned tanker turns back to Strait of Hormuz, day after Gulf exit — Rich Starry failed to breach blockade.
– Trump reiterates Pope Leo criticism; says Iran nuclear bomb is ‘unacceptable’ — Strong rhetoric from the president.
– Length of Iran uranium enrichment ban is a political decision: AEA chief — Duration of moratorium remains contentious.
– US military will operate blockade in Gulf of Oman — Operations focus on observing, intercepting, and turning ships.
– Trump says Iran war is very close to over — President expresses confidence that a deal may be near.
Outlook
Diplomacy remains fluid as Pakistan and other intermediaries press for a new negotiating round. The blockade raises the stakes for maritime traffic and energy markets, while verification of nuclear restraints and the duration of any enrichment moratorium remain central hurdles to a lasting settlement.
