US Imposes Naval Blockade on Iranian Ports After Pakistan Peace Talks Collapse

The US naval blockade of Iranian ports took effect on Monday after peace negotiations collapsed.

Vice President JD Vance said the ball is in the Iranian court.

24/7 Wall St.

Trump warned that any Iranian ships approaching the blockade would be immediately eliminated.

Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel.

Pakistan was attempting to arrange a second round of talks.

The core sticking point was Iran's nuclear program.

The US asked for a 20-year suspension of uranium enrichment.

Al-Iqtisadiyyah

Iran agreed to three to five years, which Trump said was not acceptable.

The IAEA estimated Iran had enough uranium for 11 nuclear weapons.

The IMF reduced its 2026 growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa to 1.1%.

Italy suspended its defense agreement with Israel.

Israel and Lebanon prepared to hold direct talks for the first time since 1993.

The problem is Hezbollah, Israel's Foreign Minister said.

Efforts to hold a second round of negotiations were ongoing.

Turkey was working to bridge the gap between the Americans and the Iranians.

Al-Mutadawil Al-Arabi

The Iranian presidency spoke with French President Macron.

The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported estimates indicating that the US and Iran are closer to resuming fighting.