President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Iran by announcing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following unsuccessful ceasefire talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan. The negotiations, which lasted 21 hours, ended without agreement as Vice President JD Vance reported that Iran refused U.S. terms regarding its nuclear program. Trump stated that the U.S. Navy would begin blocking maritime movement through the strait, warning that vessels paying tolls to Iran would not have safe passage. He reiterated his stance that Iran will never possess nuclear weapons, indicating a firm U.S. position in ongoing negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global oil transport, with approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply passing through it, and disruptions in this region have already led to rising energy prices. The broader conflict, which escalated on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes, has resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage across the Middle East, with thousands reported dead in Iran and Lebanon alone.