Trump Alleges Iran Commits ‘Total Violation’ as Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

(SeaPRwire) –   On Sunday, President Donald Trump alleged that Iran committed a “total violation” of the ceasefire after its forces targeted vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. He also renewed his warning to attack the country’s infrastructure if U.S. conditions are not met.

“Iran chose to open fire yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!” Trump posted on Truth Social. He cautioned that if Iran fails to agree to a deal, the U.S. will “destroy every power plant and every bridge” within the nation.

Trump announced that U.S. representatives are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on Monday evening for a fresh round of discussions, providing the first official confirmation that talks will resume following a previous unsuccessful attempt.

A White House source told TIME that Vice President JD Vance, who headed the last round of negotiations, is set to lead the American team in Islamabad once again. This follows a comment from Trump earlier on Sunday suggesting Vance would not be participating.

The official added that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and former Middle East advisor, will also be part of the delegation.

This diplomatic effort comes as former diplomats, in recent reports by TIME, questioned the expertise of Witkoff and Kushner, warning that a lack of experience could lead to mistakes that prolong the fighting.

The situation worsened as the Strait of Hormuz remained effectively shut down, with maritime traffic stalled despite a brief opening reported by Iran on Friday.

Tracking information indicated almost no ship movement through the waterway after Saturday’s attacks, during which at least two vessels were reportedly fired upon by gunboats associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). There were also reports of Iranian forces turning away ships trying to use the route on Sunday.

Iranian officials maintained they would block passage as long as the U.S. naval blockade continues. “It is not possible for others to use the Strait of Hormuz while we are prevented from doing so,” stated Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, in a broadcast on state television via the Associated Press.

The standoff has sparked concerns of further escalation in a channel that typically handles about one-fifth of global oil supplies. Iran’s closure of the strait has left hundreds of ships stranded and caused shipping costs to spike as crews avoid the region due to safety risks.

In a rare exception to the closure, cruise operator Tui announced Sunday that two of its liners, Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, were permitted to transit the strait and are heading toward the Mediterranean.

Iranian authorities confirmed they have received new U.S. proposals through Pakistani mediators and are currently reviewing them. The Supreme National Security Council of Iran stated that a formal response has not yet been issued.

According to the Associated Press, an anonymous official involved in the mediation said that preparations are being finalized and U.S. security teams have already arrived on-site.

The primary points of contention remain Iran’s nuclear activities, specifically its enriched uranium reserves, and oversight of the Strait of Hormuz.

“A significant gap remains between us,” said Qalibaf, who serves as Iran’s lead negotiator, though he emphasized that Iran is still committed to a diplomatic path.

Security was increased in Islamabad ahead of the talks, with local authorities limiting movement around the area where last week’s meetings took place.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Saturday that American forces are continuing to enforce the blockade, with 23 vessels complying with orders to turn back. The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reported that the military is preparing to board and seize Iran-linked tankers and commercial ships in international waters soon.

The confrontation has increased the urgency of talks to end a conflict that began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel struck Iran over its missile and nuclear programs. The war has resulted in thousands of deaths across the region and displaced millions of people.

Now entering its eighth week, the hostilities have caused major disruptions in global energy markets. While prices dropped during Friday’s brief reopening of the strait, the current closure is expected to trigger more volatility when markets reopen.

— Rebecca Schneid contributed to this report