Representative image (Archive).

Last week, oil prices fell and stocks rose after Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, though the fragility of the truce quickly became apparent as Israel continued strikes on Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz remained closed.

However, talks held in Islamabad and led by J.D. Vance on the American side failed to produce a long-term agreement with Iran, bringing back a sense of pessimism.

In this context, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the blockade will take effect on Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, encompassing all maritime navigation in and out of Iranian ports and coastal areas along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The statement affirmed that the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations, except for ships traveling to and from non-Iranian ports, implementing President Donald Trump’s threat to sever any economic lifeline benefiting Tehran after the Pakistan negotiations faltered.

Moreover, a report published by Axios revealed that the talks held on Saturday between the United States and Iran in Pakistan failed due to disagreements over the amount of Iranian funds the U.S. should release, as well as over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Axios correspondent reported, citing a U.S. official, that Washington’s demands on Tehran—considered non-negotiable red lines—included freezing uranium enrichment, removing it from the country, dismantling facilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, canceling transit fees, establishing a regional security agreement, and halting Iran’s funding of affiliated organizations.