Washington, USA — Over the weekend, the United States and Iran held their first intensive discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan amid a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East.
The talks, which lasted more than 20 hours, raised hopes for a possible breakthrough following tensions in the region.
However, negotiations ultimately ended without an agreement.
According to United States Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, Iran rejected key US conditions, including a commitment to stop developing nuclear weapons.
On the other hand, Iran, for its part, blamed what it described as excessive and shifting demands from Washington during the talks.
Following the failed negotiations, especially Iran’s dismissal in nuclear topic, US President Donald Trump, mad, announced that he has ordered the US Navy to begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The directive includes intercepting all vessels entering or leaving the waterway.
He also instructed to intercept ships allegedly paying fees to Iran.
Trump also said US forces would move to remove sea mines believed to have been placed in the Strait.
The operation is expected to begin Monday morning, U.S. time.
Meanwhile, Iran responded quickly following this announcement.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any military vessel approaching the Strait would be treated as a violation of the ceasefire and would face a strong response: “Any military vessels that intend to approach the Strait of Hormuz under any pretext will be considered in violation of the ceasefire and will be dealt with severely.”
At the same time, it assured that the waterway remains open for civilian vessels under specific conditions.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticized the move, describing the zero lessons learned, while going back to the weekend talks.
With tensions rising again, analysts say immediate peace negotiations are unlikely.
Yet still, both sides are believed to remain open to diplomacy despite the setback.