Trump Says No Iran Sanctions Relief Until 'Deal' Reached; Pakistan Mediates as U.S. Blockade Continues

Gate News message, April 20 — U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that he will never lift the blockade on Iran until a "deal" is reached. The U.S. military began imposing a blockade on vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13, with the U.S. Central Command declaring on April 14 that it had "completely cut off Iran's maritime trade."

In response, Iran announced on April 17 that it would open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, but reversed course on April 18, announcing it would maintain control of Strait traffic due to the ongoing U.S. blockade. According to Iranian officials on April 20, Pakistan is actively mediating efforts to persuade the United States to lift the maritime blockade and enable Iran to participate in negotiations.