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Blockade and Broken Talks
The United States initiated a naval blockade of Iranian ports starting Monday, less than 24 hours after peace talks collapsed.
“The United States and Iran have failed to reach a truce deal after high-stakes talks in the Pakistani capital, with US Vice President JD Vance saying Tehran has refused to accept Washington’s terms after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad”
US Central Command announced the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports.
Vice President JD Vance led the US delegation in the 21-hour talks, which included nearly 300 officials and senior Iranian negotiators.
Vance told reporters the bad news is that we have not reached an agreement.
Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the country would not surrender under threats.
The main sticking points were Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Nuclear Suspension Debate
The core dispute centered on Iran's nuclear program.
The US demanded a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activity.
Iran offered a three to five year suspension.
Trump considered sending ground troops to Isfahan to seize control of highly enriched uranium.
Iran insisted the fuel remain inside the country.
Iran offered to dilute the uranium so it could not be used to produce a weapon.
Mediators Rush to Revive
Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey planned to continue talks.
“Skip to main content Updated Apr 13, 2026 - World "The door is not closed": Mediators rush to revive U”
A regional source told Axios that the door is not closed yet.
Vance left the door open for future talks.
Trump said there could be an update on talks within days.
The ceasefire remained in place.
Trump's announcement of a naval blockade raised fears of renewed conflict.
Diplomatic Challenges
The talks exposed deep mistrust.
Iran's Foreign Minister said the two sides were inches away from a deal.
Vance spoke to Trump at least a dozen times during the talks.
The Obama administration's 2015 deal contained sunset clauses.
Trump's demands sought a total suspension.
Federica Mogherini wrote that durable diplomacy, not coercion, is the only way to end the dispute.
