Trump pauses diplomatic talks with Iran and maintains naval blockade

President Donald Trump instructed senior administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to cease all direct talks with Iran, a U.S. official said. In a social-media post, Trump wrote that there were no ongoing or scheduled conversations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and that the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remained in effect.

The statement came after a period of limited diplomatic activity, during which Kushner had told Fox News that contacts with Iranian officials were “more robust” than before. Iranian officials have denied any direct negotiations with the United States.

White House sources indicated that the pause follows “positive discussions” but reflects Trump’s desire to wait for clearer signals of Iranian willingness to meet U.S. demands before reengaging. The administration also expressed concern about a proposed arrangement between Iran and Oman to manage traffic through the strait, which could give Iran greater influence over the waterway.

U.S. officials said the administration opposes any fee-based system for vessels transiting the strait and insists on restoring unrestricted passage, arguing that allowing another nation to control the route would set a dangerous precedent. The United States is preparing to impose additional sanctions on Iran, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American forces are ready to enforce the blockade indefinitely.

While Trump has reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a primary objective, he also indicated a willingness to keep the conflict at a distance, posting a map labeling the strait as “US Territory.”