Trump says US will not lift Hormuz blockade until deal made with Iran
US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will not lift its blockade on Iranian ports until a deal is reached with Tehran. Trump stated on Truth Social that the blockade, which began a week ago, is "absolutely destroying Iran" and that the US is winning the conflict. These comments come as a temporary US-Iran ceasefire is set to expire, with uncertainty surrounding a second round of peace talks in Pakistan. While security is heightened in Pakistan's capital, US Vice President JD Vance, slated to lead the US delegation, has not yet departed Washington, and Iran has not confirmed its attendance. Since the blockade began, US forces have directed 27 vessels away from Iranian ports and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, which Tehran called an "act of piracy." This US action follows Iran's own nearly two-month blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly impacted global energy prices.
