Pakistan was continuing efforts to persuade the United States to lift its naval blockade, Tehran
Iran could attend talks with the United States in Pakistan if Washington abandons its policy of pressure and threats, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday, adding that Tehran rejects negotiations aimed at surrender.
The official said mediator Pakistan was continuing efforts to persuade the United States to lift its naval blockade and release the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska, which was boarded and seized by U.S. forces on Sunday, and its crew.
He accused Washington of “creating new obstacles every day instead of resolving the differences” to end the war.
U.S. Naval Blockade on Iran, Vows “Maximum Pressure” Campaign
Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that President Donald Trump has made it clear that the U.S. Navy will continue the blockade of Iranian ports.
In a post on X he wrote, Iran’s Kharg Island oil storage facilities are expected to reach capacity within days, potentially forcing shutdowns of oil wells. The move is described as an effort to constrain Iran’s maritime trade and target key sources of government revenue.
As @POTUS has made clear, the United States Navy will continue the blockade of Iranian ports. In a matter of days, Kharg Island storage will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in. Constraining Iran’s maritime trade directly targets the regime’s primary…
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) April 21, 2026
United States Department of the Treasury reaffirmed its commitment to what was termed “maximum pressure,” aiming to disrupt Iran’s ability to generate, transport, and repatriate funds. The statement warned that any individuals or vessels involved in facilitating such activities could face U.S. sanctions.
It also added that efforts are ongoing to freeze funds allegedly taken by Iran’s leadership, with the claim that these actions are being carried out on behalf of the Iranian people.
