President Donald Trump stated that Iran appeared desperate during recent peace negotiations in Pakistan, ending talks after demands for nuclear weapons were rejected. Speaking to reporters upon arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Trump emphasized that Iran will never acquire nuclear capabilities.
Details of Stalled Negotiations
Vice President JD Vance, along with Special Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, attended the talks in Islamabad. Iranian officials submitted a 10-point peace plan that included the right to enrich uranium, clashing with U.S. red lines prohibiting any Iranian nuclear enrichment. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted differences between the proposal sent to President Trump and the version later released publicly.
Trump reiterated his position, declaring, “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.” A U.S. official involved indicated that Iranian counterparts initially misunderstood America’s core goal of preventing nuclear development. Vance clarified this during discussions and assessed their positions, believing a deal remains possible if Iran accepts terms.
Trump Indifferent to Return to Table
When asked about Iran rejoining negotiations, Trump responded, “I don’t care if they come back or not. If they don’t come back, I’m fine.”
Upcoming Strait of Hormuz Blockade
The U.S. plans to blockade ships entering the Strait of Hormuz starting at 10 a.m. ET on Monday, targeting vessels bound for Iranian ports while sparing those using non-Iranian routes. This vital waterway carries one-fifth of global oil. Trump directed the Navy to interdict any vessel paying tolls to Iran in international waters, warning, “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas. Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!”
Iranian Leaders Respond
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei countered that Iran possesses “large, untouched levers” and cannot be pressured by “tweets and imaginary plans.” Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Iran’s delegation, warned Americans they would soon miss $4-$5 gas prices.
Oil Prices Surge
Markets reacted swiftly, with U.S. crude rising 8% to $104.24 per barrel and Brent crude up 7% to $102.29. Brent has fluctuated wildly amid the Iran conflict, peaking above $119 from $70 pre-war levels in late February. Analyst Rachel Ziemba of the Center for a New American Security stated, “The de-escalation window for the global economy is over for now. Iran is betting they can hold out longer than the U.S. and the global economy.”
Military Context and Risks
Trump claimed Iran’s naval threat in the strait has vanished following U.S. strikes since February 28, stating, “Their military is destroyed. Their whole navy is underwater. You know that 158 ships are gone?” However, experts caution that smaller boats capable of deploying missiles, mines, and harassing ships remain operational. Tehran has warned of anti-ship mines and advised vessels to use guided coastal routes, threatening unauthorized crossings.
Traffic through the strait has halted post-announcement, with vessels turning back. A two-week ceasefire, exchanging halted fighting for strait access, continues to hold despite tensions.
NATO Under Scrutiny
Trump expressed disappointment in NATO, calling it “shameful” for lacking support. He indicated a “very serious” review of U.S. financial commitments, despite recent offers of assistance from member nations, noting, “Now they want to come up, but there’s no real threat anymore.”
