A Pakistani security source told Reuters that Field Marshal Asim Munir has directly conveyed to US President Donald Trump that the ongoing blockade linked to the Iran situation was the primary factor obstructing efforts to end the conflict. According to the source, Trump responded that he would consider the concern.
The exchange comes as the already fragile US-Iran ceasefire faces renewed uncertainty following a maritime confrontation in which the United States intercepted an Iranian cargo vessel accused of attempting to breach restrictions at sea. The incident quickly escalated tensions, with Tehran warning that such actions were undermining the diplomatic process and raising doubts about the continuation of talks.
Iranian officials have accused Washington of failing to show seriousness in pursuing negotiations, saying the U.S. is advancing conditions they consider unrealistic. Tehran has also maintained that it will not accept deadlines or pressure tactics and insists its core security interests are not open to negotiation.
A senior Iranian source said continued restrictions on Iranian maritime routes were directly weakening prospects for diplomacy. The source also stressed that Iran’s defensive capabilities, including its missile program, remain off the negotiating table.
Tensions further escalated after the U.S. military reported that it intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship en route to Bandar Abbas after a prolonged standoff, disabling its engines before boarding the vessel. U.S. Central Command later released footage showing forces descending onto the ship.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor handling a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments, has also seen disrupted maritime movement amid rising friction between the two sides. The instability has contributed to a sharp reaction in global markets, with oil prices climbing more than six percent on fears that the ceasefire could collapse.
Despite ongoing mediation efforts involving Pakistan, the latest developments underline the increasing strain on diplomatic channels, with military tensions and economic pressure continuing to complicate any path toward a durable settlement.
