Trump hints Iran talks could resume this week as US maritime blockade continues
Trump Suggests Iran Talks May Restart This Week Amid Ongoing Blockade
President Donald Trump indicated that discussions to conclude the conflict with Iran might begin this week, following the collapse of weekend negotiations. The United States has maintained a maritime embargo on Iranian ports, which began after the talks failed, restricting the movement of vessels entering or exiting the country. This action has raised concerns about the viability of a two-week ceasefire set to end next week.
“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there [Islamabad],”
Trump’s comments, relayed in an interview with the New York Post, came as US military officials reported no ships had navigated the blockade in its first 24 hours. However, satellite tracking data from BBC Verify revealed at least four vessels linked to Iran had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas transport route, despite the restrictions. Two of these ships had previously been stationed at Iranian ports.
Iran’s closure of the strait followed attacks by US and Israeli forces on February 28, which disrupted its key economic lifelines. Over a dozen US warships and 10,000 military personnel are enforcing the blockade, targeting Iran’s oil revenue and tolls collected from passing ships. US Central Command (Centcom) stated six merchant vessels had complied with orders to return to Iranian ports within the first day.
Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund warned that the conflict could trigger a global economic downturn. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the measure, stating the “small bit of economic pain” was necessary for long-term security. China, however, criticized the blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible,” arguing it might worsen tensions and destabilize the fragile ceasefire.
Regional Diplomacy and Ceasefire Prospects
Although the Iranian delegation has not yet commented on Trump’s remarks, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres noted the likelihood of renewed negotiations. Gulf, Pakistani, and Iranian officials mentioned that delegations from Washington and Tehran could reconvene in Pakistan later this week, though no specific date was confirmed by Reuters.
Israel and Lebanon have also agreed to direct talks in Washington, marking the first such meeting since 1993. These discussions stem from Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group in Lebanon. The Lebanese ambassador called the talks “productive,” while the Israeli representative described them as the start of a “new era of peace.”
A US official clarified that the Islamabad negotiations and the Israel-Lebanon discussions were unrelated, emphasizing the focus on different strategic objectives. Oil markets saw a temporary relief as hopes for continued diplomacy pushed benchmark prices below $100 on Tuesday.
