U.S. Imposes Naval Blockade on Strait of Hormuz After Iran Talks Fail

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the U.S. Navy will impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, effective immediately, following the collapse of direct peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan. The 21-hour negotiations, which concluded early Sunday without agreement, centered on Iran's nuclear program and control of the vital waterway, leaving a fragile two-week ceasefire at risk as it nears expiration on April 22.

Vice President J.D. Vance led the U.S. delegation, which included Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf headed Tehran's team. Vance told reporters after the talks that substantive discussions occurred, but Iran refused to accept U.S. terms. "The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon," Vance said. "That is the core goal of the President of the United States."

U.S. demands included halting uranium enrichment, dismantling enrichment facilities, surrendering highly enriched uranium stockpiles, ending...