US Envoys to Pakistan Amid Tensions with Iran

US diplomats are set to visit Pakistan to rekindle peace discussions with Iran. This move follows Iran’s recent breach of a cease-fire agreement by targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Yesterday, Iran decided to fire shots in the Strait of Hormuz. This is a violation of the cease-fire agreement!” President Trump expressed on social media Sunday morning.

He added, “Several of those shots were aimed at French and British vessels, which is unacceptable.”

Reports indicate that Iranian forces also fired upon two Indian-flagged boats in the strait. This incident comes just one day after President Trump proclaimed that the Strait of Hormuz is “fully open and ready for transit.” Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi echoed this statement on his social media account.

“With the ceasefire in Lebanon, we announce that all commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz will remain open under the previously established coordinated route,” the minister noted.

Nevertheless, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf later asserted that the strait would not stay open while the US naval blockade continues, and that passage would require “Iran’s permission.”

Reports suggested that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) navy announced it would maintain its blockade of the strait until the US lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.

President Trump stated that the blockade would fully remain until a deal with Iran is finalized. He emphasized that the process should not take long, as many points have been discussed already.

“Iran recently claimed they would close the strait, which is odd since it’s already shut under our blockade strategy,” Trump remarked on Sunday, also pointing out the economic repercussions for Iran.

“They’re inadvertently helping us, but they will ultimately suffer by shutting the corridor, losing around $500 million each day!”

The leading US military commander reiterated a warning to Iran about reaching an agreement.

“We’re proposing a fair and reasonable deal. We sincerely hope they accept this. If they don’t, the US will take decisive action against every power plant and bridge in Iran. Enough is enough!”

“They will fall quickly and easily. Even if we don’t strike a deal, it’s time to address what previous presidents have neglected to do for the last 47 years with Iran,” he added.

Trump announced that delegates would head to Islamabad on Monday night for negotiations with Iran as part of the two-week ceasefire, which concludes on April 7. US special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are expected to attend the talks. Although initially stating Vice President J.D. Vance would not go, the White House later confirmed his participation.