I don’t care if they come back or not, says Trump after Iran talks collapse

Speaking at Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC, Trump told reporters, as quoted by the BBC, that he was “fine” if Iran chose not to rejoin diplomatic efforts.

“I don’t care if they come back or not. If they don’t come back, I’m fine,” he said, adding that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was “holding well.”

US announces naval blockade

Trump also said the United States Navy would begin blocking maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran allegedly refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions during high-level talks held in Pakistan.

Posting on Truth Social, he claimed negotiations lasted nearly 20 hours but ultimately collapsed over Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Iran is unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions… the only point that really mattered was not agreed,” Trump said.

Warning of military action

The US president issued a stark warning to Tehran, saying American forces would take direct action if provoked.

“We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the straits. Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be blown to hell,” he said.

Trump also alleged that multiple countries would support the blockade and accused Iran of “illegal extortion” in maritime routes.

Iran says deal was close

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the agreement with the US was “inches away” before it collapsed, blaming what he described as “maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade.”

In a post on X, he said Iran had engaged in good faith during “intensive talks at the highest level in 47 years,” but added: “Zero lessons earned.”

CENTCOM statement on enforcement

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that its forces would begin enforcing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports from April 13 at 10 a.m. ET.

It said the measures would apply to vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports, including those in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, while ensuring freedom of navigation for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.