The US military said on Tuesday it had seized ​a tanker linked to Iran in international waters, its latest apparent action to enforce a blockade, with time running out on a ceasefire and the prospect of last-ditch further peace talks still up in ‌the air.

Washington has expressed confidence that talks with Iran will go ahead in Pakistan, and a senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering joining. But with the final hours of a two-week truce ticking by, there was little time left for the talks.

The US military said it had boarded the tanker Tifani “without incident”. The ship, capable of carrying 2 million barrels of crude, last reported its position on Tuesday morning as near Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, according to MarineTraffic tracking data. It was close to fully loaded and had signalled Singapore ​as its destination.

“As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran — anywhere they operate,” US Central Command said.

In a ​short statement on social media, Trump said Iran had carried out numerous violations of the ceasefire, without giving further details.

There was no immediate comment from Iran on the boarding, ⁠but the move could complicate efforts to arrange peace talks: Iran has said the blockade of its ports amounts to a US violation of the truce, and that it will not negotiate while the blockade is being enforced.

IRAN-US ​TALKS UP IN THE AIR

Iranian sources told Reuters Tehran still had not made a firm decision on whether to attend another round of peace talks in Islamabad, aimed at ending the war that the US and Israel unleashed on Iran ​on February 28.

Pakistani officials said that if the delegations do attend, they will not arrive until Wednesday, leaving just hours to reach a deal before the two-week truce expires.

Trump has threatened to restart the war and attack Iran’s civilian infrastructure unless it accepts his terms. A first session of talks 10 days ago produced no agreement, and Tehran had been ruling out a second round this week after the US refused to end its blockade and seized an Iranian cargo ship.

Still, a Pakistani source involved in the discussions told Reuters there ​was momentum for talks to resume on Wednesday and US Vice President JD Vance was expected in Islamabad.

An Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran was “positively reviewing” its participation but stressed that it was waiting to see if its conditions ​would be met, including recognition of its right to enrich uranium.

Trump initially announced the ceasefire would last two weeks from the evening of April 7 in Washington, though he has lately suggested it runs until the evening of Wednesday, April 22, effectively an extra 24 hours.

A Pakistani source involved in the talks also said it would expire at 8.00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, which is 3:30 a.m. Thursday in Iran.

Governments worldwide are trying to shield consumers from soaring energy costs resulting from the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Here’s how different countries are responding:

UK: Britain is looking to force older wind and solar generators onto fixed contracts in a bid to bring down consumer bills.

Netherlands: The Dutch government announced temporary tax breaks to compensate for rising fuel prices and said it would prepare further measures in case the energy crisis worsens.

Sweden: Sweden’s government will cut fuel taxes and hike electricity subsidies in its spring mini-budget as it strives to ease the pain for households of higher energy bills driven by ​the war.

India: India will review its fuel exports if needed to ensure availability in the local markets, a government official said. India is assessing fuel-supply requests from its neighbours and will approve exports only if it has surplus volumes, the foreign ministry said. The country has barred consumers ‌with piped natural gas from retaining, obtaining or refilling domestic liquefied petroleum gas cylinders. It is also strengthening infrastructure to expedite a shift towards piped gas. It has invoked emergency powers and directed refiners to maximise production of LPG, widely used for cooking. It cut sales to the industry to avoid a shortage of 333 million homes with LPG connections.

South Korea: South Korea is easing limits on coal-fired power generation capacity and raising nuclear power plant utilisation to as high as 80%. It is considering additional energy vouchers to support vulnerable households. It has begun enforcing a ban on naphtha exports to boost domestic supplies.

China: China has banned refined fuel exports to pre-empt a potential domestic fuel shortage, four sources said. It is also releasing fertiliser supplies from national commercial reserves ahead of spring planting.

Australia: Australia is ​releasing petrol/gasoline and diesel from domestic reserves to ease shortages affecting rural supply chains, as well as mining and agriculture. The prime minister warned that the economic shocks of the war would be felt for months and encouraged citizens to take public transport.

Japan: Japan’s industry ministry said it will relax rules for one ​year to increase the use of coal-fired power plants in the fiscal year starting April. Japan called on the Group of Seven wealthy nations and the International Energy Agency to be ready to take further flexible measures to stabilise energy markets ⁠if the Iran war drags on. Japan has asked Australia, its biggest supplier of liquefied natural gas, to boost output. The country plans to increase imports of intermediate chemical products such as plastics, as it faces tighter naphtha supplies due to the conflict.

European Union: EU leaders called for temporary measures to mitigate the impact of a ​surge in energy prices, with electricity tax cuts, lower grid fees and state support put forward as possible short-term fixes.

Bangladesh: Bangladesh is seeking billions in external financing to secure fuel and liquefied natural gas imports.

Serbia: Serbia will cut excise duties on crude oil by a cumulative 60% to calm the local market. It has also extended a ban ​on crude oil and fuel product exports to safeguard its market from shortages and price spikes.

Italy: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said Italy is considering cutting excise duties to soften fuel prices and is ready to raise taxes on firms responsible for unduly capitalising on the energy crisis.

Spain: The Spanish prime minister said parliament is expected to vote on measures proposed by the cabinet to help citizens weather the economic fallout, including lowering fuel and electricity taxes and granting fuel subsidies to sectors most exposed to energy price spikes.

Argentina: The government has issued a decree to delay the effects of scheduled increases in taxes on liquid fuels and carbon dioxide.

Cambodia: Cambodia is importing more fuel from suppliers in Singapore and Malaysia to make up for supply ​shortfalls from Vietnam and China.

Malaysia: Malaysia will raise spending on petrol subsidies to 2 billion ringgit ($510 million) from 700 million ringgit to maintain the fixed price of the fuel. The government said it is applying measures to shore up fertiliser supply amid a domestic supply crunch. The government has also announced steps to address supply disruptions - while ​warning that energy supplies may run out by the end of May - including central bank support for companies, efforts to diversify energy sources and secure inputs, enhanced data monitoring of vulnerable sectors, and a special access pathway for critical medicines and medical devices.

Thailand: Thailand has discussed with the Russian government the possibility of purchasing crude oil, a deputy prime minister ‌said. The minister also ⁠said the government would try to cap domestic diesel prices at 33 baht ($1.02) per litre. The Thai Planning Agency said the government will freeze prices of some goods and provide support for farmers.

Greece: Greece will offer subsidies for fuel and fertilisers and ferry ticket discounts worth a total of 300 million euros ($346 million) in April and May to shield consumers and farmers, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.

Romania: The government said it would reduce excise tax on diesel by 0.30 lei ($0.0679) per litre.

Slovenia: Slovenia temporarily limited fuel purchases to tackle shortages at the pump caused in part by cross-border fuelling and stockpiling.

Philippines: The Philippines’ energy market regulator said it had suspended the country’s wholesale electricity spot market across all its three grids until further notice due to fuel supply risks and price volatility. It also plans to curb power bills as LNG prices surge by boosting coal-fired power generation and regulating electricity tariffs. The Philippines is working with Washington to secure waivers and exemptions that will allow it to obtain oil from US-sanctioned countries ​and guarantee supplies. The Philippine energy ministry said it was activating a 20 billion ​peso ($333 million) emergency fund to strengthen fuel security amid continued volatility in ⁠oil prices.

Vietnam: Vietnam will switch fully to ethanol-blended gasoline earlier than planned as part of its efforts to curb fossil fuel use, a government document showed.

Singapore: The prime minister said the government will bring forward some support measures announced at this year’s budget to cushion the impact of the conflict on households and businesses.

Indonesia: President Prabowo Subianto wants to increase the country’s coal production, and the government is considering a windfall tax on exports. Indonesia will start implementing the B50 biodiesel programme on July 1. ​The implementation of B50 - a blend of 50% palm oil-based biodiesel and 50% conventional diesel - is part of a wider government programme to mitigate Iran war risks.

South Africa: South Africa will reduce its fuel levy for one month to ​stop fuel prices from rising even further in April.

Brazil: It ⁠is rolling out a new plan to help states subsidise diesel imports. Earlier in March, the government scrapped federal taxes on diesel and imposed a 12% tax on oil exports.

Egypt: Egypt has capped the price of unsubsidised bread sold in private bakeries. It will raise the local wheat procurement price to 2,500 pounds ($46.76) per ardeb (150 kg) for this year’s harvest, as it moves to increase stocks of strategic commodities.

Ethiopia: Ethiopia has increased fuel subsidies.

North Macedonia: The North Macedonian government on March 22 decided to cut VAT on fuel to stem the price hike at the pump. The VAT on gasoline and diesel will be cut from 18% to 10%, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told local media. The measure will come ⁠into effect on March ​23 at midnight and will be in effect for two weeks.

Mauritius: Mauritius said it would introduce energy-saving measures. Restrictions announced include curbs on grid power for non-essential uses such as decorative lighting, swimming ​pool heating and fountains, the government said.

Namibia: Namibia’s government will temporarily reduce fuel levies by 50% for at least three months until the end of June in a bid to protect consumers from higher pump prices.

Nigeria: Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, the largest in Africa, has increased exports of gasoline and the widely used chemical urea to African countries hit by supply disruptions caused by the war.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka will ​introduce additional fuel-rationing measures to shorten queues and secure extra oil supplies, a senior official said.

Poland: Poland is working on a solution to lower fuel prices, which may involve lowering VAT, its finance minister said.

Iran has yet to send any delegation to Islamabad for talks with the United States, officials and state media indicated on Tuesday, underscoring deep uncertainty over Tehran’s participation in the negotiations.

Iranian state television issued an on-screen alert stating that “no delegation from Iran has visited Islamabad so far,” as speculation continues about a potential new round of talks.

The broadcaster also said no technical or official team had been dispatched, reinforcing doubts about Iran’s involvement.

Sources in Iran’s foreign ministry and parliament similarly told reporters that no delegation had been sent, while senior figures, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, remain in Tehran.

The IRIB News Agency stated that Iranian officials have reiterated since Sunday that Tehran does not accept negotiations under threat, and its participation in talks will depend on a change in US behaviour and positions.

The Iranian-flagged ​container ship Touska, which was boarded and seized by US forces on Sunday, is likely to have what Washington deems dual-use items ‌that could be used by the military on board, maritime security sources said.

The small container ship, which is part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) group that has been hit with US sanctions, was boarded on Sunday off the coast of Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman and last reported its position at 1308 GMT, according to ship-tracking ​data on the Marine Traffic platform.

The US Central Command said Touska’s crew failed to comply with repeated warnings over a six-hour period, and that ​the vessel was in violation of a US blockade.

The security sources, who declined to be identified, said their initial assessments were ⁠that the vessel was likely to be carrying dual-use items after a voyage from Asia.

The vessel had previously transported items deemed as dual-use, one of the sources ​said.

The sources did not go into details on the items. US Central Command has listed metals, pipes and electronic components among other goods that could have a ​military as well as an industrial use and could be captured.

Iran’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that US forces attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, the Touska, near its coast, condemning the incident as “unlawful and a violation” of international law, Iranian media said.

Iran demanded the immediate release of the vessel, its sailors and their families, the ministry said, adding that the incident breached a ​ceasefire agreed this month and warning that Washington would be responsible for any further escalation.

Iran’s military said the ship had been travelling from China and accused ​the US of “armed piracy”, according to state media on Monday.

They said they were ready to confront US forces over the “blatant aggression”, but were constrained by the presence of crew ‌members’ families ⁠on board.

Washington imposed sanctions on IRISL in late 2019, describing it as “the preferred shipping line for Iranian proliferators and procurement agents”, which included transporting items intended for Iran’s ballistic missile programme.

The Touska’s crew includes an Iranian captain and Iranian crew members, although it was not clear if the entire crew were Iranian nationals, one of the sources said.

IRISL ships are under the control of the Revolutionary Guards, and their crew are typically made up mainly of Iranians and sometimes also use Pakistani ​seafarers, two other sources added.

The vessel was ​detected alongside at China’s Taicang port, ⁠which is north of Shanghai, on March 25 and arrived at China’s southern Gaolan port on March 29-30, according to satellite analysis from data analytics specialists SynMax.

The vessel loaded containers onboard in Gaolan and then made a stop around the ​Port Klang anchorage in Malaysia on April 11-12, where it loaded further containers, according to SynMax analysis.

The vessel was ​laden with containers ⁠when it reached the Gulf of Oman on Sunday.

China has expressed concern over the “forced interception” by the US of the Iranian-flagged cargo ship, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday, urging relevant parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement in a responsible manner.

US President Donald Trump said in a post on the Truth Social platform on ⁠Sunday that ​the Touska was under US sanctions due to its “prior history of illegal activity”, adding that US ​forces were “seeing what’s on board”.

The US military widened its shipping blockade on Iran to include cargoes deemed contraband and any vessels suspected of trying to reach Iranian territory will be “subject to belligerent right to ​visit and search”, the US navy said in an advisory on Thursday.

Contraband included weapons and ammunition.

Fraudulent messages promising safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency have been sent to some shipping companies whose ​vessels are stranded west of the waterway, Greek maritime risk management ‌firm MARISKS has warned.

The US has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then re-imposed its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly ​a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed ​before war broke out in the Middle East.

Amid ceasefire talks, Tehran, ⁠which controls the chokepoint, has proposed tolls on vessels to safely transit.

MARISKS on ​Monday issued an alert warning shipowners that unknown actors, claiming to represent Iranian ​authorities, had sent some shipping companies a message demanding transit fees in cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin or Tether, for “clearance”.

“These specific messages are a scam,” the firm said, adding the message was ​not sent by Iranian authorities.

There was no immediate comment from Tehran.

Hundreds of ​ships and about 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf.

On April 18, when Iran ‌briefly opened ⁠the strait subject to checks, ships tried to pass, but at least two of them, including a tanker, reported that Iranian boats had fired shots at them, forcing the vessels to turn around.

MARISKS said that it believed that ​at least one ​of the vessels, ⁠which tried to exit the strait on Saturday and was hit by gunfire, was a victim of the fraud.

Reuters ​was not able to verify the information or track companies ​that ⁠had received the message.

“After providing the documents and assessing your eligibility by the Iranian Security Services, we will be able to determine the fee to be ⁠paid in ​cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then will your ​vessel be able to transit the strait unimpeded at the pre-agreed time,” said the message cited ​by MARISKS.

US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan on Tuesday for Iran talks, Axios reported Monday, citing US sources.

Vance led the US delegation in the first round of talks.

A source had earlier told Reuters that Vance was in the United States on Monday, denying reports he was already on his way to Pakistan.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The US vice president is expected to depart Washington on Tuesday evening Pakistan time, arriving in the Pakistani capital by late morning or early afternoon on Wednesday, the report said, quoting sources close to mediation.

Besides Vance, Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner are also expected to travel to Pakistan.

Several US military aircraft have already landed in Pakistan before the expected talks.

The development comes as Pakistan is making arrangements for the new round of talks.

Strict security measures have been put in place in Islamabad ahead of the expected arrival of the US and Iranian delegations.

Two major hotels in the federal capital have been cleared of regular guests and reserved for special delegations, officials said.

According to authorities, the capital is being prepared to host high-profile foreign guests, with luxury facilities arranged for visiting delegations.

Security lockdown

Transport hubs, including bus terminals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have been shut as part of security measures.

Around 18,000 security personnel have been deployed in Islamabad, supported by 7,000 officers from the Punjab Police, along with Rangers and Pakistan Army units.

Security has also been significantly tightened across the capital’s Red Zone, where entry has been restricted to unauthorised individuals.

Public restrictions

All court proceedings at the Federal Constitutional Court and the Islamabad High Court have been suspended for the day.

Educational institutions within the Red Zone have also been closed.

Authorities have closed key recreational areas, including Margalla Hills trails.

Trails 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as the trail connected to Saidpur Village, will remain shut following official notifications.

Heavy traffic movement has been suspended in sensitive zones.

Major roads and green belts across Islamabad have been decorated, with national flags displayed along key arteries of the city as preparations continue for the expected diplomatic activity.

Pakistan is confident it can get ​Iran to attend ‌talks with the United States, a senior Pakistani ​government official told ​Reuters on Monday.

“We have ⁠received a positive ​signal from Iran. Things ​are fluid, but we are trying that they ​should be here ​when we start the talks ‌tomorrow ⁠or a day after,” the source said, speaking on condition ​of anonymity.

The ​source ⁠added Pakistan is actively engaged ​with Tehran and ​Washington ⁠as US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire deadline ⁠looms.

Uncertainty surrounds the second round of US-Iran talks expected in Islamabad, as intensified diplomatic activity and conflicting signals from both sides cast doubt over the negotiations, sources said on Tuesday.

Media reports indicate that US Vice President J.D. Vance is likely to arrive in Islamabad with senior officials for high-stakes discussions.

However, Iranian authorities have suggested they will not participate under what they describe as coercive conditions.

Iranian officials accused the US of violating the ceasefire, pointing out the seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel by the US forces in the Sea of Oman and the continued naval blockade of its ports.

Iranian officials argue that such actions undermine the basis for meaningful dialogue.

At the same time, Donald Trump has offered mixed messages about the path forward. While expressing confidence that negotiations will proceed in Pakistan, he has also indicated there is no urgency to conclude the conflict, which has reportedly caused significant casualties in Iran and driven up global oil prices.

With a 14-day ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday, Trump has alternated between optimism about a potential deal and stark warnings of escalation if no agreement is reached.

In recent remarks, he suggested that failure to secure a deal could result in intensified military action.

Despite the tensions, Trump said he still intends to send a negotiating team led by Vice President Vance to Islamabad. Iran, however, maintains it will not engage unless Washington eases its demands.

Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, accused the United States of attempting to force Tehran into submission, warning instead that Iran is prepared to escalate if necessary.

“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” Qalibaf said in a post on X.

Trump, meanwhile, reiterated that he faces no pressure to end the conflict unless Iran agrees to US terms, stating that developments could unfold quickly.

He also expressed confidence that Tehran would ultimately come to the negotiating table, warning that failure to do so would bring severe consequences.

Trump added that any agreement must ensure Iran is permanently prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons, which he described as a global security concern.

Iran has rejected the prospect of negotiations with the United States under what it describes as coercive conditions, according to senior officials.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated on Tuesday that Tehran would not engage in talks with Washington while facing threats.

In a post on X, he criticised US President Donald Trump, accusing him of acting under “delusions” regarding the nature of negotiations.

Qalibaf’s comments follow allegations by Iran of repeated US violations of a ceasefire agreement reached two weeks ago.

These include the imposition of a naval blockade of Iranian ports and the seizure of an Iranian merchant vessel by the US forces in the Sea of Oman.

Qalibaf said that Washington’s actions were aimed at turning negotiations into what he described as a “table of surrender” or providing justification for renewed conflict.

Qalibaf emphasised that such pressure tactics would not succeed, reiterating that Tehran refuses to negotiate under intimidation.

The parliament speaker indicated that Iran has been preparing additional measures in response to recent developments, suggesting the possibility of escalation if tensions persist.

The remarks come as uncertainty persists over the next round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad following the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship by the US navy.

Israeli and Lebanese representatives will hold ‌talks in Washington on Thursday, a US State Department spokesperson and an Israeli source speaking on ​the condition of anonymity told Reuters ​on Monday.

The US will host the ⁠second round of ambassador-level talks between ​the two countries at the Department of ​State, the State Department spokesperson said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the first round of ​talks between Israeli ambassador to the ​United States Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon’s ambassador to ‌Washington ⁠Nada Moawad — the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in decades — on April 14.

“We will continue to facilitate direct, ​good-faith discussions ​between ⁠the two governments,” the spokesperson said.

The second round of talks ​will mark the first talks between ​the ⁠two countries since a 10-day ceasefire took effect on Thursday.

Moscow on Monday called for the US-Iran ceasefire to be maintained and for diplomatic efforts to continue, after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with his Iranian counterpart.

“The Russian side again emphasised the need to preserve the truce, which must be observed within the parameters initially agreed upon and announced by the Pakistani mediators,” the foreign ministry said after the call between Lavrov and Iran’s Abbas Araghchi.

“The importance was noted of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the situation from spinning out of control and averting a relapse into armed confrontation,” the ministry added.

It criticised what it called Washington’s “unlawful naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and seizure of an Iranian container ship”.

Moscow also said Iran had pledged to ensure the unhindered passage of any Russian vessels and cargo through the Strait.

President ​Donald Trump said on Monday ‌that Israel did not persuade him to attack Iran, after news reports ​that Israeli leader Benjamin ​Netanyahu influenced the US president’s ⁠decision and criticism from right-wing commentators.

“Israel ​never talked me into the ​war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong ​opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER ​HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did,” Trump wrote ‌in ⁠a Truth Social post.

Trump also said, “the results in Iran will be amazing” in ​the post, ​which came as the United States prepared to resume negotiations in ​Pakistan, although Iran was ​undecided.

“And ⁠if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have ⁠a ​great and prosperous ​future!” Trump wrote.

Iran is considering attending peace talks with the United States in Pakistan, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday, following moves by Islamabad to end a US blockade ​of Iran’s ports, a major hurdle for Iran to rejoin peace efforts.

However, the official stressed that no decision had been made.

With a two-week ceasefire set to expire, a senior ‌Iranian official said Tehran was “positively reviewing” its participation but no final decision had been made. The comments conveyed a clear change of tone from earlier statements ruling out attendance and pledging to retaliate for US aggression.

The Iranian official said mediator Pakistan was making positive efforts to end the US blockade and ensure Iran’s participation.

The ceasefire had appeared in jeopardy after the US said it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade, and Tehran vowed to retaliate.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman ​Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Washington had shown it was “not serious” about pursuing the diplomatic process, and that Tehran would not change its demands.

The US was hoping to start negotiations in Pakistan ​shortly before the ceasefire expires, with sweeping security preparations underway in Islamabad, but Baghaei said the US was “insisting on some unreasonable and unrealistic positions”.

A senior ⁠Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran’s “defensive capabilities”, including its missile programme, were not open to negotiation.

US-IRAN CEASEFIRE SET TO EXPIRE ON TUESDAY NIGHT

A Pakistani security source said Pakistan’s key mediator, Field Marshal Asim Munir, had ​told US President Donald Trump the blockade was an obstacle to talks, and that Trump had promised to consider the advice.

Trump announced the two-week ceasefire with Iran on April 7, and has not specified when precisely it ​ends.

A Pakistani source involved in the talks said it would expire at 8 p.m. EST on Tuesday, which would be midnight GMT or 3:30 a.m. Wednesday in Iran.

Asked over the weekend about the chance of an extension, Trump replied: “I don’t know. Maybe not. Maybe I won’t extend it. But the blockade is going to remain.”

The US has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran lifted and then reimposed its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles roughly one-fifth of ​the world’s oil and liquefied gas supply.

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to depart Washington on Tuesday for Islamabad to join a high-level delegation for talks with Iran, people familiar with the plans told CNN.

A second round of talks between the US and Iranian delegations is currently planned for Wednesday in Islamabad, though officials cautioned the situation remains fluid amid continued heated rhetoric from both sides.

The White House said there is no formal confirmation on timing, but added the delegation is expected to travel soon.

Earlier, President Donald Trump told the New York Post in a phone interview that the delegation was “heading over now” and would “be there tonight,” though those remarks appeared premature as later updates suggested a later arrival.

The US team is set to include special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner.

Trump signalled willingness to meet senior Iranian leaders if a breakthrough is reached.

“I have no problem meeting them,” he said. “If they want to meet, and we have some very capable people, but I have no problem meeting them.”

He dismissed concerns the talks could collapse.

“We’re supposed to have the talks,” Trump said. “So I would assume at this point nobody’s playing games.”

The diplomatic push comes as a US-Iran ceasefire is set to expire at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, increasing pressure for progress.

Trump said it was “highly unlikely” the truce would be extended, warning that fighting could resume if no deal is reached, according to Bloomberg.

At the core of the negotiations, Trump reiterated a non-negotiable demand: Iran must abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons.

“Get rid of their nuclear weapons. That’s all very simple,” he said. “There will be no nuclear weapon.”

He added that Iran has the potential to prosper if it complies.

“Otherwise, a wonderful country — it truly could be,” Trump said.

When asked about possible consequences if talks fail, Trump declined to elaborate.

“Well, I don’t want to get into that with you,” he said. “You can imagine. It wouldn’t be pretty.”

He has previously warned of severe measures, including targeting infrastructure, if Iran does not agree to a deal.

Iran, meanwhile, has accused Washington of making “excessive demands” and shifting positions, and has signalled it may not attend the talks in Islamabad.

However, Pakistani sources told the New York Post that Tehran’s stance could be tactical.

The current position “is posturing to extract maximum advantage when [the] second round happens,” one source said, citing discussions with Iran’s foreign ministry.

Despite Tehran’s signals, Trump said he remains confident in his negotiating approach and brushed off criticism from political opponents.

“As a negotiator, and I am a great negotiator, how bad is it when you have people from your own country trying to reach a deal? They are helping the other side,” he said.

“The other side has nothing, they have no cards, but they are using this to delay,” he added. “I have only been in this for five weeks. I will not be rushed.”

Analysts say US negotiators could face a tougher challenge, with Iran’s negotiating posture reportedly influenced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is said to be taking a harder line and sidelining more moderate voices, according to a Washington-based think tank.

Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan is moving ahead with preparations in Islamabad, aiming to facilitate dialogue and prevent a renewed escalation if the ceasefire collapses.

The United Arab Emirates has sought access to US dollars as a precaution against potential economic fallout from escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama raised the issue during meetings in Washington last week with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and officials from the Federal Reserve.

Discussions focused on the possibility of a currency swap arrangement to ensure liquidity if regional instability intensifies.

The report said Emirati officials stressed that while the country has so far avoided the worst economic impacts of the conflict, it may still require a financial lifeline in a worst-case scenario.

The request underscores growing concerns among regional economies about maintaining access to dollar funding during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.

Oil prices jumped around 5% in early Monday trading on fears that the ceasefire ‌between the United States and Iran could collapse after the US seized an Iranian cargo ship, and traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained largely halted.

Brent crude futures advanced $4.19, or 4.6%, to $94.57 a barrel by 1027 GMT ​and US West Texas Intermediate was up $4.60, or 5.5%, at $88.45.

Both contracts tumbled by 9% ​on Friday, their largest daily declines since April 18, after Iran said that passage ⁠for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was open for the remainder of ​the ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said that Iran had agreed never again to close the ​strait through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply passed before the war began almost two months ago.

“Within 24 hours of Friday’s ‘completely open’ announcement, there were already tankers that were fired upon by the Islamic ​Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),” said Sparta Commodities analyst June Goh.

“Market fundamentals are getting worse, as 10-11 ​million barrels per day of crude oil remains shut in,” Goh added, referring to losses in oil production.

The ‌United States ⁠said on Sunday that it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to break through its blockade, while Iran said it would retaliate, heightening fears of a resumption in hostilities.

Tehran also said it would not participate in a second round of negotiations that the US had hoped ​to start before the ​two-week ceasefire expires ⁠this week.

“The financial market is trading negotiations, improvements and resolution while at the same time the physical market is deteriorating day by day,” said ​SEB Research analyst Bjarne Schieldrop.

“Physical oil flows remain constrained by disrupted flows, ​longer voyage ⁠times and elevated freight and insurance costs.”

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained at a virtual standstill on Monday, with only three crossings in the past 12 hours, shipping data showed.

More than 20 ⁠ships passed through the strait on Saturday, carrying oil, liquefied petroleum ​gas, metals and fertilisers, Kpler data showed.

That was the highest number of vessels crossing the waterway since March 1.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had a telephone conversation on Monday with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, according to a Foreign Office spokesperson.

The spokesperson said Australia appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in the negotiations between Iran and the United States and praised Pakistan’s efforts in promoting diplomatic relations.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar briefed the Australian Foreign Minister on the talks in Islamabad and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue the talks and the constructive diplomatic process.

The two leaders expressed concern about the impact on the global economy, especially on developing countries, and stressed the importance of the peaceful resolution of disputes.

It was agreed to continue diplomatic relations.

US President Donald Trump told Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir that he would consider Field Marshal’s advice on the Strait of Hormuz blockade being a hurdle to peace talks with Iran when the two spoke by phone, a Pakistani security source said on Monday

The two spoke by phone, as tensions remain high over the strategic waterway, a key route for global oil shipments.

Field Marshal conveyed that the blockade posed an obstacle to ongoing diplomatic efforts, the source added.

Trump said he would take the concern into account.

Iran has said that it has no plans for a new round of talks with the United States in Islamabad, accusing Washington of violating the ceasefire and undermining the negotiation process.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran does not currently envisage further negotiations with the US, adding that Washington “is not learning from past experiences” and that this approach “will never lead to good results.”

He said Iran had informed the Pakistani mediator that the United States had breached the ceasefire from the outset of its implementation.

According to Baqaei, the US violated the agreement by imposing a naval blockade and carrying out attacks on Iranian assets, including a strike on an Iranian vessel, actions he said amounted to breaches of both the ceasefire and international law.

He added that Iran “cannot forget” past US strikes during earlier rounds of negotiations, and stressed that Tehran will continue to defend its national interests.

Baqaei warned that if the United States and Israel initiate any new acts of aggression, Iran’s armed forces will respond accordingly.

He also said Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal that was discussed during talks in Islamabad, and noted that the Strait of Hormuz had remained secure before US-Israeli attacks.

The spokesperson further criticised Washington’s position on ceasefire arrangements, saying the US had claimed the Lebanon ceasefire was not part of any agreement despite Iran’s clarification to the Pakistani mediator.

Baqaei reiterated that Iran views the US naval blockade and strikes on Iranian targets as violations of the ceasefire and international law, accusing Washington of repeatedly breaking commitments and targeting Iranian infrastructure and personnel.

Iran has executed two men convicted of cooperating with Israel’s Mossad intelligence service and planning attacks inside the country, the judiciary’s news outlet Mizan reported.

The two, identified as Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi, were accused of belonging to a spy network linked to Mossad and had received training abroad, including in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Their death sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court before being carried out, Mizan said.

Uncertainty looms over the potential US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad on Monday after both sides toughened their stance following the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship by the US navy in the Sea of Oman.

US President Donald Trump said US negotiators will be in Pakistan on Monday for another round of talks with Iran.

But several hours later, Iran had not confirmed it would attend the second round of negotiations.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, has told the media that Iran will not attend talks in Islamabad unless Washington lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump has threatened to resume strikes on Iran and destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran if it doesn’t take the deal that the US is offering.

The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is due to expire by Wednesday.

A 10-day ceasefire in Israel and Lebanon appears to be holding.

According to the Iranian state media, the government is leaning against holding talks with the United States in Islamabad, citing the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports as a key obstacle.

The tensions have been further heightened by the US military’s attack on and seizure of the Iranian ship Touska overnight.

State broadcaster IRIB quoted Iranian sources as saying there are currently “no plans to participate in the next round of Iran-US talks”.

Earlier, the Fars and Tasnim news agencies cited unnamed sources as saying the “overall atmosphere cannot be assessed as very positive”, adding that the lifting of the US blockade is a precondition for any negotiations.

Meanwhile, state-run IRNA pointed to the blockade and what it described as Washington’s “unreasonable and unrealistic demands”, stating that under the current circumstances, there is “no clear prospect of fruitful negotiations.”

Iran has said it will not attend talks with the US in Islamabad unless Washington lifts its blockade, according to a report by Al Jazeera quoting an Iranian source.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, said Tehran’s approach to negotiations is guided strictly by national interest and security considerations.

Asked about participation in the Islamabad talks, Azizi said Iran would act “based on national interests” and take any steps necessary to safeguard the country’s security and strategic position.

He described the negotiations as closely linked to broader regional tensions, saying Iran views them as an extension of the current confrontation.

“We see the current negotiations as a continuation of the battlefield,” he said.

“If they lead to outcomes that reinforce what has been achieved on the battlefield, then the negotiation arena is also an opportunity for us. But not if the Americans intend to turn this into a field of excessive demands based on a bullying approach.”

In further remarks, Azizi, who also previously served as an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, said Iran is willing to continue talks with the US but not “at any cost” or under conditions set unilaterally by Washington.

He stressed that Iran has defined “red lines” that must be respected in any diplomatic process.

Asked again whether Iran would send a delegation to Islamabad, Azizi said the decision would depend on whether Tehran receives positive signals from the US side.

“We have never feared the principle of negotiation,” he said.

“Perhaps today or tomorrow, after further assessment, we may consider it, provided the American negotiating team and the messages received from Iran indicate a positive signal.”

The Iranian military conducted drone strikes on US military vessels in the Gulf of Oman in retaliation for the seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

In a social media post, the news agency said the strikes came after US President Donald Trump stated that the US navy had disabled and seized the Touska container ship on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastline, describing it as unlawful and a violation of the Pakistani-mediated ceasefire.

In a post on X on Sunday, Baqaei said the blockade contravenes fundamental principles of international law and constitutes a crime against humanity.

“The United States’ so-called ‘blockade’ of Iran’s ports or coastline is not only a violation of the Pakistani-mediated ceasefire but also unlawful and criminal,” he said.

“It violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and constitutes an act of aggression under Article 3(c) of UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974), which includes the blockade of a state’s ports or coasts among such acts.”

He added that the measures amounted to collective punishment of the Iranian population, which he said constitutes both a war crime and a crime against humanity.

Oil prices rebounded more than 6% on Monday ‌after tumbling more than 9% on Friday on news that the Strait of Hormuz is closed again after both the US and Iran said the other party had violated their ceasefire deal by attacking ​ships over the weekend.

Brent crude futures jumped $6.11, or 6.76%, to $96.49 a barrel by ​2327 GMT, and US West Texas Intermediate was at $90.38 a barrel, ⁠up $6.53, or 7.79%.

The US military had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run ​its blockade, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday, while Iran said it would ​not participate in a second round of peace talks despite Trump’s threat of renewed airstrikes.

The United States has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then reimposed ​its own blockade of the Strait, which handled roughly one-fifth of the world’s ​oil supply before the war began almost two months ago.

“Oil markets continue to gyrate in response ‌to ⁠oscillating social media posts by the US and Iran, rather than the realities on the ground, which remain challenging for oil flows to resume in a rapid fashion,” Saul Kavonic, MST Marquee’s head of research, said.

Both contracts posted on Friday their ​largest daily declines since ​April 18 after ⁠Iran said passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was open for the remaining ceasefire period, and Trump ​said Iran had agreed to never close the strait again.

“The ​announcement of ⁠the Strait opening proved premature,” Kavonic said.

“Ship owners will be twice shy about heading towards the Strait again without receiving much more confidence that any announced passage is ⁠real.”

More than ​20 ships passed the strait on Saturday carrying ​oil, liquefied petroleum gas, metals and fertilisers, Kpler data showed, the highest number of vessels crossing the ​waterway since March 1.

Iranian authorities reacted sharply to the US seizure of an Iranian ship in the Sea of Oman, describing the incident as a flagrant act of aggression and maritime piracy.

Speaking on Sunday night, a spokesperson for the Khatam Al Anbiya Central Headquarters strongly condemned the operation, saying the US navy had violated the ceasefire by targeting and boarding the vessel.

He warned that Iran’s armed forces would respond decisively.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will soon retaliate against this act of armed piracy by the US military,” he added.

“The United States, as the aggressor, violated the ceasefire and engaged in maritime piracy by opening fire on an Iranian merchant vessel in the Sea of Oman,” Lieutenant-Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari said.

“Its forces then boarded the ship and disabled its navigation systems.”

According to Iranian accounts, US forces launched an unprovoked attack on the container ship Toska, which had been travelling from China to Iran through the Gulf of Oman.

Iranian forces reportedly responded swiftly, launching drone strikes against several US military vessels operating in the area.

US President Donald Trump later confirmed that American forces had seized the Iranian ship, praising US military strength and describing it as the world’s most powerful force — remarks that Iranian officials dismissed as further evidence of Washington’s conduct in international waters.

Iran has repeatedly stated that it will respond firmly to any hostile actions by the United States.

Alongside Washington’s announcement of a naval blockade, Tehran declared the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any vessel attempting to pass without its authorisation would face decisive action.

Iranian authorities say the latest incident underscores what they view as the United States’ ongoing role in fuelling instability across the region.

Tehran has reiterated that it remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and national interests and will not hesitate to respond forcefully to any act of aggression or maritime violation.