Iran warns US blockade means war expansion; Trump sees deal chance

Iran's central command has issued a stern warning, stating that any US attempt to impose a naval blockade would be interpreted as an escalation of the conflict in the region. The Markaziyat Khatam al-Anbiya, Iran's military headquarters, accused Washington of threatening Iranian ships, merchant vessels, and oil tankers in coastal and territorial waters in recent days.

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These US actions will be considered an expansion of the war in the region. As has been proven by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the battlefield, they will not allow any threat or hostile action by the terrorist army of that country without a response and will confront it.

"These US actions will be considered an expansion of the war in the region," the statement declared, as reported by the Fars news agency. "As has been proven by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the battlefield, they will not allow any threat or hostile action by the terrorist army of that country without a response and will confront it."

Meanwhile, the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Saturday that its naval blockade against Iran remains fully operational. CENTCOM reported that US forces had directed 17 merchant ships attempting to violate the blockade to turn back, disabling two vessels that refused. Personnel also boarded two other ships to ensure compliance.

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They want to meet and we are meeting. We will see what happens, there is a chance for us to make a good deal.

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that there was a "good chance" of reaching an agreement with Iran, but cautioned that Washington would resume military operations if negotiations to end the war failed. "They want to meet and we are meeting. We will see what happens, there is a chance for us to make a good deal," Trump said. He added, "Without what we have done, they would not be talking to us at all. We are talking to Iran right now. The negotiations are going well, so we will see what happens. If not, we will go back to doing what we did two days ago."

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Without what we have done, they would not be talking to us at all. We are talking to Iran right now. The negotiations are going well, so we will see what happens. If not, we will go back to doing what we did two days ago.

US forces launched a series of strikes against Iran over the past two weeks in response to Tehran's alleged attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran targeted facilities and bases it claimed were used by US forces in several Gulf countries, resulting in at least three military personnel deaths in Jordan and one in Iraq. However, the exchange of attacks reportedly ceased on Saturday. Mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, are reportedly working to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran, though Iran has downplayed reports of negotiations. Drone attacks linked to Tehran against Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq suggest that the peace remains fragile.

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The only reason they want to meet is because we have hit them very hard.