As CENTCOM warships take up battle positions for Iran’s ports and this afternoon, diplomacy is waging a final, agonizing battle against time.
It is recalled that the American armed forces announced yesterday that they will proceed to impose, from 17:00 (Greece time), a blockade “against ships of all nationalities entering or departing from Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all ports in the Arabian Gulf (so they refer to the Gulf) and the Gulf of Oman”, according to a statement made public through X. However, the US makes clear that it will not block passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships bound for non-Iranian ports.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM)
Despite the freeze in talks in Islamabad, mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are stepping up efforts to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran, noting – according to officials on both sides cited by Axios – that “the door to talks” remains open.
In an environment reminiscent of a high-stakes “oriental bargain,” the goal remains unchanged: Reach a sustainable deal before the cease-fire expires on April 21, a date many fear will trigger a new, uncontrollable conflagration in the Middle East.
Why is it important?
All sides believe that the deal is still possible.
The tight time horizon is pushing for a new round of negotiations to prevent a return to hostilities.
The big picture
The Trump threat: The US President is considering resuming strikes on Iranian infrastructure if the naval blockade does not bear fruit.
Pressure strategy: The blockade and withdrawal from Islamabad are, according to US officials, negotiating tools.
Control of the Straits of Hormuz: Trump is seeking to neutralize Tehran’s ability to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in talks.
What are the protagonists saying?
“Oriental bazaar”: A regional source likens the situation to a bargain, stressing that the door is not closed and both sides are negotiating hard.
The US position: Washington sees Islamabad’s proposal as the “last and best” Iran will receive, calling on Tehran for greater flexibility.
Iran’s perspective: Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan maintains that the talks have not failed, but have laid the groundwork for a viable diplomatic process.
Behind closed doors
The nuclear “thorn”: The main disagreements center on the US demand for a freeze on uranium enrichment and the surrender of Iran’s stockpiles.
The financial price: Tehran is demanding the release of significant funds in return for its nuclear concessions.
Shifting targets? Iran’s foreign minister claimed the deal was “within a breath” before the US changed the terms, which Washington has not confirmed.
Under the microscope.. the first Iranian contact with JD Vance. The US Vice President led the group in Islamabad, in a meeting described as “tough but productive”. Despite the frosty atmosphere at the end, Vance left the door open, hoping Iran would recognize the mutual interest of a deal in the coming days.
Netanyahu’s stance and Moscow’s proposal
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for Donald Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports, pointing out that he is in close coordination on the matter with the US.
“Iran violated the rules (of peace talks in Pakistan), President Trump decided to impose a naval blockade,” Netanyahu said during the cabinet meeting, according to a video released by his office.
“We certainly support that strong position and are in constant coordination with the US.”
In addition, Netanyahu said today that US Vice President Jay D. Vance called him on Sunday after he left Islamabad to update him on the weekend talks with Iran, during which no agreement was reached.
For its part, the Kremlin criticized the announcement made by US President Donald Trump that the US will block the Straits of Hormuz, saying this will have a negative impact on international markets.
“Such actions will likely continue to have a negative impact on international markets. This can be assumed with a high degree of certainty,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, pointing out that many dimensions of the plan in question remain unclear.
At the same time, the Kremlin reiterated that Russia is ready to receive on its soil Iranian enriched uranium as part of a possible peace agreement between Washington and Tehran.
“This proposal was made by the president (Vladimir Putin) during contacts with the US, as well as with countries in the region. The offer is still valid, but it has not been implemented,” said the press representative of the Russian presidency, during the regular press conference he gives.
