Trump Warns No Naval Blockade Lift Until Deal with Iran Reached

US President Donald Trump has stated that the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports will not be lifted until a deal with Tehran is reached. This statement comes amid continued uncertainty over the second phase of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran. Trump noted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the blockade, initiated a week ago, has “completely devastated Iran.” He further claimed that the US side has “won overwhelmingly” in this conflict.

Trump’s remarks were made just before a ceasefire between the US and Iran was set to expire on Wednesday. The second phase of peace talks, reportedly to be held in Pakistan, remains uncertain. Security has been tightened in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, in preparation for potential negotiations, but US Vice President JD Vance has yet to depart from Washington. Similarly, Iran has not yet made a decision on whether it will participate in the talks.

Since the US initiated a maritime blockade on Iran, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has directed 27 ships to turn back or avoid entering Iranian ports. On Sunday, following dual blockade attempts in the Strait of Hormuz, the US military seized control of its first Iranian-flagged vessel. Videos released by CENTCOM show the ship being initially warned before military personnel took control.

Iran has condemned the seizure as “piracy” and a violation of the ceasefire between the two nations. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial waterways, has been under blockade by both sides for nearly two months, causing a sharp increase in global energy prices. Trump accused Iran of deciding to “open fire” on those ships and called it a “complete violation” of the ceasefire agreement.