US-Iran Talks Collapse, Trump Orders Hormuz Blockade

Negotiations between the United States and Iran collapsed in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Sunday after more than 20 hours of talks, prompting President Donald Trump to announce an immediate naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to counter Iran's control over the vital waterway.

The discussions, led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance alongside envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, aimed to secure a permanent end to the conflict that began on February 28. Pakistani officials mediated the marathon sessions, but the two sides failed to bridge deep divides. Primary sticking points included Iran's nuclear program, with U.S. officials demanding a permanent halt to uranium enrichment and any pursuit of nuclear weapons. Tehran insisted on retaining enrichment rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and sought sanctions relief, compensation for conflict-related damages, and assurances on regional proxies like Hezbollah and Houthi rebels. Control of the Strait of Hormuz also proved intractable, as Iran had restricted passage by laying mines and demanding tolls from vessels, actions U.S. officials described as extortion.

Vance, departing for Washington, stated that the U.S. had...