US President Donald Trump said Washington will not lift its blockade on Iranian ports until a deal has been reached with Tehran, hardening the US position as the temporary ceasefire approaches expiry on Wednesday.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the week-old blockade was “absolutely destroying Iran” and that the US was winning the conflict “by a lot.” His comments come amid continuing uncertainty over whether a second round of peace talks will go ahead in Pakistan.
The statement decouples the Hormuz standoff from the Wednesday ceasefire deadline, effectively signalling that the blockade will remain in force regardless of the truce window and until a full agreement is struck.
US Central Command said US forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port since the blockade began. On Sunday, the US intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship — the first such interception of the conflict — which Tehran denounced as “an act of piracy” and a violation of the fragile ceasefire.
Iran has maintained its own closure of the Strait of Hormuz for nearly two months, driving global energy prices sharply higher. The strait was briefly reopened on Saturday before being shut again after reports of vessels being targeted near the waterway. Tehran said it would keep the route closed until Washington ended its blockade.
Security has been tightened in Islamabad in anticipation of a possible second round of talks. Vice President JD Vance — expected to lead the US delegation alongside envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner — had not left Washington as of Monday. Iran’s foreign ministry said Tehran has “no plans” to attend, though US officials indicated the delegation could depart Tuesday.
The extended blockade keeps Sri Lanka’s fuel import costs elevated, with Brent crude remaining above $96 per barrel amid persistent Hormuz transit risk.
