Trump hints Iran talks could resume this week as US maritime blockade continues

President Donald Trump indicated that discussions to resolve the Iran conflict might recommence this week, following the collapse of weekend negotiations. The U.S. had imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, which has since drawn international attention. The move has raised questions about the viability of a two-week ceasefire set to expire next week.

During an interview with the New York Post, Trump suggested that “something could be happening over the next two days,” hinting at a possible shift in strategy. The administration’s stance appears to remain firm, with no immediate agreement reached between Washington and Tehran.

“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 said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military reported that no ships had passed through the blockade in the first 24 hours of its enforcement. This has sparked debate over its effectiveness, as Iranian officials have yet to comment on Trump’s remarks.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, noted that “it is highly probable” talks would restart. Gulf, Pakistani, and Iranian officials also mentioned that delegations from the U.S. and Iran could return to Pakistan later this week, though a specific date remains pending.

Analyses by BBC Verify revealed that at least four Iran-linked vessels had crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade. Two of these ships were previously docked at Iranian ports, while three others, unaffiliated with Iran, also traversed the waterway. The strait, a vital route for global oil and gas transport, has been effectively closed since February 28, when Iran faced strikes from U.S. and Israeli forces.

More than a dozen U.S. warships and 10,000 troops are enforcing the blockade, targeting Iran’s economic lifelines. This includes cutting off oil revenue and the tolls Iran demanded for ships passing through the strait. The goal is to pressure Tehran into concessions, though the impact on Iran’s economy remains uncertain.

Initial talks in Islamabad failed to produce a deal, with the U.S. citing Iran’s refusal to accept its terms. A key dispute centered on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as the U.S. proposed a 20-year freeze on uranium enrichment. Iran, however, sought a five-year pause, according to sources.

As the International Monetary Fund warned of a potential global recession from the conflict, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the blockade, stating that “a small bit of economic pain is worthwhile for long-term international security.”

China criticized the move, calling it “dangerous and irresponsible” and predicting it would “exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement.” Separately, Israel and Lebanon agreed to direct negotiations after talks in Washington, marking a significant step following Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in the north.

The meeting in Washington, described as “productive” by the Lebanese ambassador and a “new era of peace” by the Israeli representative, was the first such dialogue between the two nations since 1993. A U.S. official clarified that the Iran talks in Islamabad and the Israel-Lebanon discussions were unrelated.