U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a long-term maritime blockade intended to force Iran to abandon its nuclear program [1, 2].

The move escalates tensions in one of the world's most critical shipping lanes. A prolonged standoff in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global energy markets and increases the risk of direct military conflict between the two nations.

Iran has refused to engage in nuclear talks under the current conditions. The Iranian government insists that the U.S. must first open the Strait of Hormuz and discuss a cease-fire before any negotiations regarding its nuclear ambitions can begin [1, 2].

Professor Seong Il-kwang of the Sogang University Euro-Mena Research Institute said that Iran argues it is economically struggling and cannot accept the current U.S. negotiation proposal [1]. He said that Iran wants to resolve the blockade of the strait first and discuss nuclear issues later, which is why the confrontation continues [1].

Pakistan is currently acting as a mediator between the two powers. The Pakistani government is maintaining an indirect negotiation channel to find a diplomatic resolution to the blockade [1, 2].

According to a report from CNN cited by YTN, Iran may deliver a revised proposal to Pakistan by Friday [1]. This modified offer would supplement the existing negotiation framework in an attempt to break the current diplomatic deadlock [1].

The blockade remains in place as both sides wait to see if the revised terms proposed through Pakistan will provide a viable path toward a cease-fire, and the resumption of nuclear talks [1, 2].

“Trump ordered a long-term maritime blockade to force Iran to abandon its nuclear program.”

The use of a maritime blockade represents a shift toward maximum economic pressure to achieve non-proliferation goals. By involving Pakistan as a third-party mediator, the U.S. and Iran are attempting to maintain a diplomatic backchannel while publicly maintaining hardline stances. The outcome depends on whether Iran views the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as a prerequisite for security or as a bargaining chip for nuclear concessions.