WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump indicated Wednesday that high-stakes negotiations with Iran could resume in Pakistan within the next 48 hours, even as a U.S. naval blockade continues to choke Iranian trade and regional tensions flare in Lebanon.
The president’s optimistic forecast, delivered in a preview of an interview with Fox News, suggested a rapid return to the diplomatic table following the collapse of talks in Islamabad last weekend. “It’s very close to over,” Mr. Trump said of the conflict, praising the mediation efforts of Pakistani officials.
However, the path to a “grand bargain”—a term used by Vice President J.D. Vance to describe the administration’s goal—remains fraught. While Mr. Vance emphasized that the U.S. is seeking a comprehensive deal to permanently end Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for economic integration, Tehran’s response has been icy. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian countered that any American attempts to force a “surrender” are “destined to fail,” and Iranian officials have yet to formally confirm a return to the Pakistani capital.
The Blockade Takes Hold
On the water, the “maximum pressure” strategy has taken a physical form. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, reported that the naval blockade of Iranian ports has “completely halted” the country’s maritime economic trade.
Military tracking data confirmed the effectiveness of the perimeter. While some vessels attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, Adm. Cooper noted that six ships were intercepted and turned around. Satellite data showed at least one vessel performing a full U-turn in the Gulf of Oman after being challenged by U.S. warships.
Regional Fallout
The diplomatic maneuvering comes against a backdrop of intensifying violence in the Levant:
- Lebanon Strikes: The Israeli military continued its campaign against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon. This follows a high-level meeting between Israeli officials and the Lebanese government held in the United States on Tuesday.
- Hezbollah Retaliation: An Israeli official told AFP that Hezbollah launched approximately 30 strikes toward northern Israel in the last 24 hours, signaling that a broader regional ceasefire remains elusive.
Despite the ongoing military friction, the White House appears focused on the “grand bargain.” “The President wants a deal that lasts,” Mr. Vance said. “But it has to be a deal that actually protects the world.”
