Trump ‘considering’ lifting naval blockade

The Telegraph - Donald Trump will consider lifting the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in order to overcome the deadlock in peace talks.

The US president said he would look at ending the US naval operation in the Arabian Sea if it meant the two countries could move towards a deal, Pakistani officials have said.

Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir, a key mediator between Tehran and Washington, urged Mr Trump to lift the blockade in a phone call on Sunday, Reuters reported.

Mr Trump said he would consider the recommendation, having previously set out that the US would maintain its blockade until a permanent peace deal was secured.

Earlier Monday, Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, told state media that a delegation from Tehran would not travel to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations.

He blamed the Trump administration for “aggressive acts” and “violations” of the ceasefire by attacking an Iranian-flagged cargo ship.