United States President Donald Trump said the war with Iran may be nearing an end, even as American forces continue enforcing a naval blockade that has already turned back several vessels trying to leave Iranian ports.
Speaking in separate interviews, Trump struck an optimistic tone, hinting that the coming days could be decisive.
“I think you’re going to be watching an amazing two days ahead,” he said, adding that he does not expect the current ceasefire to be extended when it expires next week.
There are growing signs that diplomacy may resume soon.
U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to return to Islamabad for another round of talks, following weekend negotiations that ended without a breakthrough.
Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said he remains cautiously optimistic despite the lack of an agreement so far.
Behind the scenes, officials say messages have continued to pass between Washington and Tehran, with some progress reported in narrowing differences.
Meanwhile, the U.S. blockade is beginning to have a visible impact. American forces have intercepted or turned back multiple vessels, including oil tankers attempting to leave Iranian ports.
One such tanker, identified as the Rich Starry, was seen reversing course in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. officials say the blockade has effectively halted most of Iran’s seaborne trade, increasing pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations.
Iran, however, has warned it could escalate the situation further. Military officials have threatened to disrupt shipping across the Gulf, the Sea of Oman and even the Red Sea if the blockade continues.
At the same time, Iranian media reports suggest the country is exploring alternative routes and ports to bypass restrictions, with some shipping activity still ongoing.
At the heart of the dispute remains Iran’s nuclear programme.
Washington has proposed a long-term suspension of uranium enrichment, while Tehran is pushing for a shorter timeline and the lifting of sanctions.
The gap between both sides has narrowed slightly in recent days, according to sources familiar with the talks, but key differences remain.
Complicating matters further, Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.
The United States and Israel insist those operations fall outside the ceasefire, but Iran disagrees, adding another layer of tension to already fragile negotiations.
The conflict, which began in late February, has severely disrupted global energy markets.
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz a key route for oil and gas shipments has forced buyers, especially in Asia and Europe, to look for alternative supplies.
Around 5,000 people have been killed so far, including thousands in Iran and Lebanon.
For now, the focus remains on whether the next round of talks can deliver what the last one could not a clear path toward ending the war.
