The U.S. halts Iran's maritime trade amid renewed optimism for diplomatic talks, complicating efforts for lasting peace.

The president said the U.S. was ready to "finish up" Iran at the “appropriate moment," stressing that Tehran's nuclear ambitions were at the core of the failure to end the war.

President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy will block the Strait of Hormuz to cut off Iran's shipping lanes after peace talks failed to produce a deal.