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The United States is preparing for a potential naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, after high-stakes negotiations with Iran ended without agreement in Islamabad.
President Donald Trump said the US Navy could block all maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, a move that could disrupt global energy supplies and escalate regional tensions.
In remarks following the talks, Trump said Washington had secured progress on several issues but claimed Tehran refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions, a central demand of the US delegation.
Iranian officials, however, accused the US of failing to build trust during more than twenty hours of discussions, insisting their position on nuclear development remains non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that any foreign military presence near the strait would be treated as a violation of the current ceasefire, signalling the risk of direct confrontation at sea.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil exports, making any disruption a concern for international markets.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with Oman urging both sides to extend a temporary ceasefire to allow further negotiations.
Analysts say the coming days will be critical, as Washington weighs whether to intensify pressure or return to the negotiating table.
Attention is also turning to upcoming regional talks, including planned discussions between Israel and Lebanon, which could influence broader stability in the Middle East.
For now, uncertainty remains high, with military warnings, diplomatic appeals and economic concerns all converging around a narrow stretch of water that holds outsized importance for the global order.
Despite the breakdown, officials on both sides have indicated that channels of communication remain open, raising the possibility that indirect diplomacy could resume in the coming weeks.
Observers note that past confrontations in the region have often been followed by renewed dialogue, though the current climate appears especially fragile.
Much will depend on whether confidence can be rebuilt after the latest round of talks, and whether both parties are willing to make concessions to avoid further escalation in an already volatile region.
