Speaking in an interview with Fox News on Monday, Vance said the United States had clearly defined its “red lines” during negotiations held over the weekend in Pakistan, where he led a U.S. delegation in discussions with Iranian officials.“I really think the ball is in the Iranian court, because we put a lot on the table,” Vance said, adding that the U.S. position leaves no room for flexibility on key issues.

He identified two core demands: U.S. control over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the establishment of a robust verification mechanism to ensure Tehran does not develop nuclear weapons capability. “It’s one thing for the Iranians to say that they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon.

It’s another thing for us to put in place the mechanism to ensure that’s not going to happen,” he said.The talks in Islamabad marked the highest-level engagement between the two sides in years but ended without an agreement to halt the more than five-week conflict involving U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran.

Vance said that, as part of a two-week ceasefire agreed last week, Washington also expects Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has been effectively closed by Iranian forces.

Despite the lack of a deal, both sides have indicated a willingness to continue discussions, with diplomatic efforts ongoing through intermediaries to prevent further escalation.

The announcement came a day after talks in Pakistan ended without agreement, underscoring persistent divisions over terms to end a conflict launched on Feb. 28 by the United States and Israel. The blockade is aimed at pressuring Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a broader settlement addressing its nuclear and missile programs, as well as its regional activities.

Trump indicated that diplomatic channels remain open, saying Iran had reached out to explore a possible resolution. “We’ve been called by the right people and they want to work a deal,” he told reporters outside the White House.

Iran signaled conditional openness to negotiations. Judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei said discussions must proceed on the basis of “principles and logic,” while other officials warned that Tehran would respond if the situation escalates.

The blockade drew sharp reactions from Iran, which threatened countermeasures targeting ports across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, raising the risk that the two-week ceasefire declared earlier could collapse before its April 22 expiry.

At the core of the dispute remain differences over Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes. Its closure has already disrupted markets and driven up oil prices.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation in the recent talks, said Iran had not provided assurances it would refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons capability. Tehran has long denied such intentions while defending its right to civilian nuclear development, including uranium enrichment.

Iran’s negotiating position, articulated by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, emphasized sovereignty over the strait, an end to hostilities, and compensation for wartime damage.

Iranian officials also dismissed the blockade as exaggerated, with parliamentary spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei describing it as “more bluffing than reality.”
Pakistan has indicated it may facilitate further dialogue, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressing willingness to host another round of talks, though no timeline has been confirmed.

Both sides have maintained firm public positions, with Trump warning that any Iranian attempt to challenge the blockade would be met with force, while Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the measure risked further destabilizing the global economy.

Araqchi said negotiations in Islamabad had been conducted in good faith but were undermined by what he described as “maximalism” and shifting U.S. demands, adding that the talks came close to producing an agreement before breaking down.

The remarks followed an announcement by Donald Trump that U.S. naval forces would begin blockading vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, a move that risks destabilizing a fragile ceasefire reached after weeks of conflict.

US Central Command said the blockade would take effect at 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) and would apply to all maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, while maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels not bound for Iran.

Trump said the United States would act against ships paying what he described as “illegal tolls” to Iran and warned that any attack on U.S. or commercial vessels would trigger a strong military response.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said any approach by foreign military vessels to the strait would be treated as a violation of the ceasefire and met with a “decisive” response.

Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed the U.S. position, saying Tehran would respond in kind. “If you fight, we will fight, and if you come forward with logic, we will deal with logic,” he said, according to state media.

The talks in Islamabad marked the first direct engagement between the United States and Iran in more than a decade and followed a ceasefire announced earlier in the week after six weeks of conflict that has disrupted global energy markets and pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel.

JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation, said no agreement had been reached, while signaling that diplomacy could continue. Trump also described the talks as “very friendly” and expressed confidence that Iran might return to negotiations.

A U.S. official said key sticking points included demands for Iran to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle enrichment facilities, transfer highly enriched material and end support for regional groups, alongside ensuring open access to the strait.

Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, said Tehran remained open to a “balanced and fair agreement,” blaming Washington for the breakdown and urging a return to international legal frameworks.

Shipping data showed that three fully laden supertankers transited the strait on Saturday, suggesting that maritime flows had not yet been fully disrupted despite the looming blockade.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said it was “imperative” that both parties maintain their ceasefire commitments, adding that Islamabad would continue facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran following the inconclusive talks.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said the absence of a deal was “bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States,” reiterating Washington’s demand for a firm commitment from Tehran not to pursue nuclear weapons capability.

He said the United States had made its “red lines” clear, including preventing Iran from acquiring both nuclear weapons and the means to rapidly develop them.

Iranian officials rejected the U.S. position, with state-linked Tasnim news agency reporting that “excessive” American demands had hindered progress. Tehran signaled that discussions would continue, with technical teams expected to exchange documents in follow-up engagements.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the U.S. had failed to build trust during the talks despite what he described as “forward-looking” proposals from the Iranian side. He emphasized longstanding skepticism rooted in past negotiations, saying Washington must demonstrate credibility before progress can be made.

Iran’s foreign ministry also downplayed the outcome, stating that no agreement had been expected in a single session and expressing confidence that diplomatic contacts would continue with Pakistan and other regional actors.

Former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attributed the breakdown to what he called U.S. attempts to “dictate” terms, warning that negotiations with Iran would not succeed under unilateral conditions.

The Islamabad meeting marked the highest-level direct engagement between the United States and Iran in more than a decade and the most senior talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The discussions were aimed at halting a conflict that began over six weeks ago and has driven up global oil prices while threatening key maritime routes.Central to the negotiations was the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of global energy supplies.

The U.S. military said it was preparing to ensure safe navigation through the waterway, including mine-clearing operations, while Iranian state media denied any U.S. naval transit in the area.

Tehran has demanded control over the strait, war reparations, and broader ceasefire arrangements extending to regional theaters including Lebanon. U.S. officials have focused on securing freedom of navigation and curbing Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities.

The talks took place under tight security in Islamabad, where thousands of paramilitary forces were deployed. Pakistani officials described fluctuating tensions during the discussions, with “mood swings” and intermittent progress reported by sources familiar with the negotiations.

The Iranian delegation, which arrived dressed in black to mourn those killed in the conflict, also raised concerns about a U.S. airstrike on a school near a military compound, an incident the Pentagon has said is under investigation.

Despite the impasse, analysts noted the seniority and size of the Iranian delegation as an indication of Tehran’s willingness to engage, even as deep mistrust continues to define the diplomatic landscape.

Iran and the United States have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire, marking a temporary pause in hostilities that have disrupted regional stability and threatened global energy supply routes, according to statements from officials in both countries and mediators involved in the talks.

The agreement provides for an immediate halt to attacks and the reopening of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments. Iranian authorities said safe passage would be coordinated with their armed forces during the ceasefire period, indicating continued operational control over the waterway.

The announcement was confirmed by Shehbaz Sharif, who said the ceasefire would apply “everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere” and take effect immediately. Sharif also invited both sides to send delegations to Islamabad for talks aimed at reaching a longer-term settlement, positioning Pakistan as a key mediator in the process.

Officials in Washington and Tehran offered differing emphases on the agreement. Donald Trump described the ceasefire as a “total and complete victory” for the United States, stating that US military objectives had been achieved and that discussions toward a broader peace arrangement were already advanced. He added that Washington would suspend further military action, including previously stated threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure, contingent on compliance with the terms of the agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran would halt what he described as “defensive operations” to facilitate negotiations. He said Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal that Washington had accepted as the basis for talks, while also reviewing a separate 15-point proposal put forward by the United States.

Despite these developments, there were inconsistencies in how the ceasefire’s geographic scope was described. Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the agreement did not extend to Lebanon, contradicting assertions by Pakistani officials and some US sources that the ceasefire would apply across multiple fronts. The discrepancy highlights ongoing uncertainty over the terms and implementation of the arrangement.

No official text of either proposal has been publicly released. However, details reported by Iranian state media suggest that Tehran’s 10-point plan includes provisions for maintaining its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, securing the lifting of sanctions, unfreezing overseas assets, and obtaining compensation for damages.

The proposal is also reported to call for the withdrawal of US forces from the region, recognition of Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities, and a binding United Nations resolution to formalize any final agreement.

Iranian diplomatic messaging has reinforced these positions, emphasizing continued control over strategic waterways and a cessation of hostilities across multiple regional theaters. Tehran has also indicated that any lasting agreement would need to address broader geopolitical and economic demands, including sanctions relief and security guarantees.

By contrast, the US proposal is reported by regional sources cited by CNN to focus on nuclear and security constraints. The 15-point framework is believed to include commitments by Iran to forgo nuclear weapons development, surrender highly enriched uranium, limit its defense capabilities, and curtail support for regional proxy groups. It also includes provisions to ensure the continued operation of the Strait of Hormuz as an open international shipping route.

Iran has previously rejected these terms, describing them as “excessive, unrealistic and unreasonable,” suggesting that significant gaps remain between the two sides despite the temporary ceasefire.The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a central component of the agreement, given its importance to global energy markets.

Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has immediate implications for oil prices and supply chains, making the ceasefire’s maritime provisions a key focus for international stakeholders.

The two-week timeframe underscores the provisional nature of the arrangement, with both sides framing the ceasefire as an opportunity to advance negotiations rather than a definitive resolution. Diplomatic engagement is expected to intensify in the coming days, particularly with the proposed talks in Islamabad.

While the agreement signals a de-escalation after a period of heightened tensions, the absence of a publicly verified framework and conflicting statements from key actors point to a fragile understanding that will depend on sustained diplomatic coordination and adherence to interim commitments.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iranian negotiators were “begging for a deal,” dismissing Tehran’s public stance as inaccurate. Araghchi, speaking on state television, said there had been no direct dialogue with Washington, adding that exchanges via intermediaries did not constitute negotiations.

He said Iran was conveying its positions and warnings through friendly countries.The divergence in messaging comes as military operations continue. U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted extensive strikes on Iranian targets since late February, while Iran has launched retaliatory attacks on Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf states.

A U.S. Central Command briefing said more than 10,000 targets had been struck, with significant degradation of Iran’s naval, missile, and drone capabilities.

The conflict has disrupted global energy flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for oil and liquefied natural gas. Its effective closure has triggered what officials describe as a severe energy shock, driving up fuel prices and straining supply chains across industries from aviation to agriculture.

Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of ADNOC, described restrictions on Hormuz as “economic terrorism,” warning of global consequences. Governments are considering intervention measures similar to those deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as businesses face rising costs and weakening demand.

The World Food Programme has warned that prolonged disruption could push tens of millions into acute hunger, with farmers and fisheries already facing fuel shortages.

A 15-point U.S. proposal, conveyed to Iran through Pakistan, includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, and halting support for regional allies, according to Israeli sources familiar with the plan.

The White House has not publicly detailed the proposal.Israeli officials expressed skepticism that Tehran would accept the terms and voiced concern that U.S. negotiators could offer concessions.

Iran, according to regional sources, has insisted that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire framework involving Washington and Israel.

Financial markets reflected fading optimism over a near-term resolution. Global equities weakened on Thursday while oil prices resumed their upward trajectory. Analysts cited diminishing expectations of a ceasefire as a key driver of volatility.

The Pentagon is preparing to deploy additional airborne troops to the Gulf, supplementing Marine units already en route, according to sources. The buildup is intended to expand military options as the conflict risks widening.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the situation could escalate further, urging a shift from military confrontation to diplomacy.

A Clear-Edged Breakdown of Iran’s Strategic Shift Toward Saudi Arabia

According to political expert Mario Nawfal, Iran has taken a step it previously insisted it would never consider: requesting Saudi Arabia’s assistance in reopening nuclear talks with the United States. This outreach reflects a significant shift in Tehran’s approach and signals a moment shaped less by diplomatic confidence and more by mounting pressure.

A letter from President Masoud Pezeshkian was delivered to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shortly before the Saudi leader’s visit to the White House. The communication notably departed from Iran’s traditional revolutionary tone. Instead of confrontational rhetoric, it emphasised openness to dialogue and explicitly appealed for support in re-engaging with Washington.

The fact that Tehran is directing such a request to Riyadh—its longstanding regional rival—indicates that circumstances are tightening around Iran’s strategic environment.

Two core factors underpin this sudden shift in posture.

The first is fear. Israeli strikes in June targeted Iranian nuclear sites and, more importantly, undermined Iran’s sense of invulnerability. Tehran now perceives the possibility of further action if diplomatic efforts break down.

The second factor is survival. Iran’s economic situation continues to deteriorate, with the rial weakening sharply and energy shortages disrupting daily life. Public frustration is intensifying as these pressures accumulate.

Alongside these domestic concerns, Iran’s broader regional influence is eroding. Hezbollah is weakened, Hamas has been significantly damaged, and the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad has fallen. Collectively, these developments are rapidly reducing Tehran’s regional leverage.

In contrast, Saudi Arabia possesses advantages Tehran currently lacks: direct influence in Washington, a personal channel to former President Donald Trump, and regional authority grounded in economic strength, energy resources, and political stability. While Oman and Qatar are capable of transmitting messages, Saudi Arabia has the capacity to shape outcomes.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has indicated an openness to facilitating diplomatic progress—not as an act of benevolence, but because a U.S.–Iran conflict would generate serious consequences across the Gulf region.

Both Iran and the United States publicly endorse diplomacy, yet neither is willing to accommodate the other’s demands. Iran’s clerical establishment maintains that negotiations cannot occur “under threat.” However, the current threats surrounding Tehran are also the primary drivers pushing it toward engagement.

Trump praised U.S. military forces for executing aerial attacks targeting the Houthis’ bases, leadership, and missile defenses.

The United States launched a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Saturday, with President Donald Trump pledging to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iran-backed rebel group ceases its attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the region.

Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding that it withdraw support for the Houthis or face consequences. “We will hold Iran fully accountable for the actions of its proxy,” Trump declared.

Military Action and Presidential Statement

In a social media post, Trump praised U.S. military forces for executing aerial attacks targeting the Houthis’ bases, leadership, and missile defenses. He emphasized that the strikes were necessary to protect American interests and restore navigational freedom in the region.

“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump wrote. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”

The president announced the strikes while spending the day at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Casualties and Damage

The first U.S. strikes since Trump’s return to office reportedly resulted in at least 31 deaths and 101 injuries, according to Houthi sources. The casualties are said to include women and children.

The strikes targeted multiple locations, including the capital city of Sanaa, the northern province of Saada, and military sites near the Sanaa airport. Additional attacks were reported in the provinces of Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib.

Images circulating on social media showed plumes of black smoke rising over the affected areas.

Reasons Behind the Airstrikes

The strikes follow the Houthis’ recent announcement that they would resume attacks on Israeli-linked vessels in retaliation for Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The group had warned of targeting vessels in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Arabian Sea.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in late 2023, the Houthis have been responsible for over 100 attacks on merchant vessels, sinking two ships and killing four sailors.

The United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom had previously conducted joint strikes against Houthi targets, but Saturday’s operation was executed solely by U.S. forces.

Houthi and Iranian Response

Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, vowed that the airstrikes would not deter their operations and warned of retaliation against the U.S. Mohamed Abdulsalam, a spokesperson for the group, dismissed Trump’s claims about threats to international shipping as “false and misleading.”

Iran, which has long provided financial and military support to the Houthis, has not yet issued an official response to the latest strikes.

Broader Implications

The airstrikes come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Just two weeks ago, Trump sent a letter to Iranian leaders proposing a pathway for renewed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. The president has made clear that he will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, further raising the stakes in the region.

As the conflict in Yemen intensifies, the duration and extent of U.S. military action remain uncertain. A U.S. official, speaking to the Associated Press, confirmed that strikes will continue but provided no timeline for their conclusion.