ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — After marathon overnight talks between the United States and Iran failed to yield a deal on U.S. terms, President Donald Trump on Sunday announced the imposition of a naval blockade on Iran — a move that could derail a tenuous two-week ceasefire reached just five days ago. Trump in his post said other countries would be involved in imposing the blockade but offered no specifics. Before Trump’s announcement of the blockade, Iranian officials also indicated they remain open to diplomacy, but their top negotiator, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, suggested that Washington must make the next move. Control of the Strait of Hormuz emerged as one of the most important issues in contention during the talks in Pakistan. Trump previously said after the conclusion of conflict in the area, the strait would reopen “naturally.” But Iran has refused to back down.

Source: Washington Post April 12, 2026 16:03 UTC