Trump Iran Policy and Strait of Hormuz

President Trump announced that U.S. forces would begin a naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas in and around the Strait of Hormuz after weekend peace talks in Islamabad between U.S. and Iranian delegations failed to produce an agreement. The White House framed the move as an immediate response to Iran's refusal to give an "affirmative commitment" not to pursue a nuclear weapon; CENTCOM set the blockade to begin at 10 a.m. Eastern on Monday and clarified it would bar ships entering or leaving Iranian ports while continuing to allow transits between non-Iranian ports. Trump also said U.S.-brokered diplomacy could continue — he predicted new U.S.-Iran talks might resume within days and separately announced an Israel-Lebanon 10-day cease-fire and an invitation for their leaders to meet at the White House. The measures have been accompanied on the water by U.S. interdictions: U.S. warships were reported clearing mines in the strait, a destroyer radioed two tankers to turn back, and CENTCOM said multiple merchant vessels were ordered to re-enter Iranian ports in the first 24-36 hours of enforcement.