Stalemate in U.S.-Iran negotiations and potential escalation of conflict

Negotiations between the United States and Iran have reached a deadlock following President Trump's rejection of Iran's latest proposal. According to reporting from Washington correspondent Michalis Ignatiou, the U.S. has decided to continue its naval blockade of Iran to pressure the regime regarding its nuclear program. The Trump administration demands that Iran permanently halt its nuclear activities, surrender enriched uranium, and cede control over the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command has reportedly drafted plans for a short, intensive wave of strikes against Iranian infrastructure should diplomatic efforts fail. President Trump expressed a preference for the blockade as an effective tool but remains under domestic political pressure to resolve the conflict before the midterm elections. Conversely, Iran has called for the lifting of the blockade and an end to hostilities as preconditions for further talks. The White House currently expects a new proposal from Tehran to potentially resume discussions in Islamabad.