Trump Vows Continued Blockade of Iran until Deal is Achieved

Tue Apr 21 2026 04:14:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

President Trump asserts the U.S. will maintain its blockade on Iranian ports until a peace agreement is reached, amidst escalating tensions and preparations for peace talks.

In a recent statement, President Trump declared that the U.S. will not lift the blockade on Iranian ports until a deal is secured with Tehran. The blockade, initiated a week ago, has been characterized by Trump as devastating to Iran, as discussions over renewed peace talks hang in the balance. The backdrop includes heightened security in Islamabad, where U.S. officials prepare for potential discussions, while Iran remains uncertain about participating. The stakes are high as both nations navigate a complex diplomatic landscape amidst military actions and demands.

The US will not lift its blockade on Iranian ports until a deal has been reached with Tehran, US President Donald Trump has said, amid continuing uncertainty over whether fresh talks to end the war will take place.

The blockade, which began a week ago, is absolutely destroying Iran, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, adding his country was winning the conflict by a lot.

His comments come with the temporary US-Iran ceasefire set to end on Wednesday, but with no certainty over whether a second round of peace talks will go ahead in Pakistan.

There is tightened security in Pakistan's capital in anticipation of a meeting. But US Vice President JD Vance - set to lead the US delegation - has not yet left Washington, while Iran says it has not decided whether to attend.

Since the blockade began, US forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port, according to US Central Command (Centcom). The US also intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship for the first time in the conflict, after it tried to get through the blockade on Sunday.

Tehran deemed it an act of piracy and a violation of the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. Iran has maintained its own blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, for nearly two months - causing global energy prices to soar.

It was briefly reopened on Saturday but quickly closed again following reports of vessels being targeted by Tehran. Trump said Iran had decided to fire bullets and called it a total violation to the ceasefire agreement. Iran said it would keep the route shut until the US stopped the blockade of its ports.

However, there are indications a second round of peace talks between the US and Iran will go ahead, despite Tehran refusing to confirm whether it will send a delegation. Following the first round of talks earlier this month, US Vice-President JD Vance said the US could not get to a situation where the Iranians were willing to accept our terms, while Iran's foreign ministry urged Washington to refrain from excessive demands.

The potential second round comes at a crucial moment. Sources have indicated that the US delegation would be leaving soon for Islamabad, although the timing remains unclear. Nevertheless, there are signs of preparation for talks in Islamabad, with security measures enacted in anticipation of the meeting.