US President Donald Trump stated he will not lift the blockade on Iranian ports without a 'deal' with Tehran, as the Iran ceasefire expires Wednesday evening Washington time. A delegation led by Vice President JD Vance heads to Pakistan for talks. Tensions continue around the Strait of Hormuz and in Lebanon.
Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that 'the BLOCKADE, which we will not lift until there is a DEAL, is completely destroying Iran,' costing 500 million dollars a day. He told Bloomberg the ceasefire will expire 'Wednesday evening, Washington time,' deeming extension 'very unlikely'.
Iran questions US seriousness. Parliament President Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of readiness to 'play new cards on the battlefield' if war resumes, rejecting any 'negotiation under threat.' Tehran has not decided on joining Islamabad talks.
The US sends a delegation including JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner to Pakistan. Since the blockade, 27 ships have been diverted. In Lebanon, a new toll reports 2387 dead in the war with Israel, under a fragile ceasefire.
Oil prices surged, with Brent at $95.18 (+5.31%) and WTI at $88.85 (+5.96%), as European stocks fell. Washington will host Lebanon-Israel talks on Thursday.
