Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, announced that American forces have completely halted economic trade going in and out of Iran by sea. This measure fuels 90% of Iran’s economy.
The United States stated this on Wednesday, despite President Donald Trump saying talks with Tehran to end the war could resume this week. Trump told ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl he did not think it would be necessary to extend a two-week ceasefire that ends on April 21.
Negotiating teams from the US and Iran are expected to return to Pakistan later in the week, according to officials from Pakistan, Iran, and the Gulf. However, no date has been set.
Despite optimism, more vessels were being turned back under the US blockade at Iranian ports. The US military intercepted eight Iran-linked oil tankers since the start of the blockade on Monday.
Trump said his negotiators are likely to return thanks largely to Field Marshal Asim Munir’s “great job” moderating talks. Vice President JD Vance told an event in Georgia that Trump wanted a “grand bargain” with Iran, but there is a lot of mistrust between the two countries.
The war has prompted Iran to effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz and cut shipments from the Gulf to global buyers. About 5,000 people have died in the hostilities, including about 3,000 in Iran and 2,000 in Lebanon.
Iran’s nuclear ambitions were a key sticking point at weekend talks. The US proposed a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activity by Iran, while Tehran suggested a halt of three to five years.
Back-channel talks since the weekend have produced progress, bringing the two sides closer to a deal. However, Israel has continued attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, complicating peace prospects.