The United States says it has effectively shut down Iran’s maritime trade, even as fresh diplomatic efforts raise cautious hopes for a breakthrough in talks aimed at ending the war.
According to U.S. officials, naval forces enforcing the blockade have halted nearly all seaborne commerce to and from Iran an economic lifeline that accounts for the bulk of the country’s trade.
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command said the operation had, within 36 hours, stopped maritime activity that supports about 90% of Iran’s economy.
President Donald Trump, however, struck a more optimistic tone, suggesting negotiations with Tehran could resume within days.
He said discussions likely to take place again in Islamabad might deliver progress, adding that a deal would be preferable to prolonged conflict.
Vice President JD Vance, who led earlier talks that ended without a breakthrough, also expressed cautious optimism, though he acknowledged deep mistrust between both sides.
“You’re not going to solve this overnight,” he said at a public event.
Despite that optimism, the blockade is already having visible effects. Several vessels have been turned back, including an Iran-linked tanker that reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz after attempting to leave the Gulf. U.S.
officials say multiple oil tankers tied to Iran have been intercepted since the operation began.
The military pressure comes after weekend negotiations failed to produce an agreement, leaving a fragile ceasefire due to expire on April 21 hanging in the balance.
Washington maintains that Tehran rejected key demands, particularly around its nuclear programme.
Still, behind-the-scenes contacts appear to be continuing.
Officials from Pakistan and the Gulf region say both sides are considering a return to the negotiating table, although no firm date has been set.
The impact of these developments is already being felt in global markets. Oil prices, which had surged amid fears of prolonged disruption, have edged lower for a second straight day on expectations that talks could resume.
Asian stocks have also recovered slightly, while currency markets stabilised.
Even so, analysts warn that supply constraints remain severe.
The U.S. is expected to tighten sanctions further by allowing waivers on Iranian and Russian oil shipments to expire, potentially cutting off additional supply at a time when markets are already strained.
At the centre of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical shipping lane through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes.
Since the war began in late February, Iran has effectively restricted access, insisting that vessels operate under its authority and pay transit fees.
Negotiations have stalled largely over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The United States is pushing for a long-term suspension of enrichment activities and the removal of existing stockpiles, while Iran has proposed a shorter pause and insists on sanctions relief as part of any deal.
Complicating matters further is the continued fighting in Lebanon, where Israel has carried out strikes against Hezbollah.
While Washington and Israel say those operations fall outside the ceasefire, Tehran insists they must be included in any comprehensive agreement.
The conflict has already claimed thousands of lives, with casualties reported across Iran and Lebanon, and continues to pose risks to global energy supply and economic stability.
For now, the situation remains finely balanced caught between escalating military pressure at sea and a narrow window for diplomacy on land.
