U.S. Increases Maritime Pressure on Iran Amid Stalled Nuclear Negotiations

The Trump administration has significantly escalated its maritime enforcement strategy against Iran, shifting the focus toward economic and trade coercion. U.S. Central Command reported on Thursday that naval forces have redirected 97 commercial vessels and disabled four others since the implementation of a blockade in mid-April. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. remains prepared for a 'Plan B' regarding the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting Iranian proposals for a fee-based transit system while maintaining that military strike plans remain fully ready. On the diplomatic front, a significant impasse has emerged regarding Iran's nuclear leverage. Reports indicate that Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive forbidding the transfer of the country's near-weapons-grade uranium abroad, directly countering a core U.S. demand for de-escalation. While Pakistan's military and civilian leadership continue to facilitate back-channel mediation in Tehran, Washington appears to be awaiting a formal response to its latest proposal while simultaneously targeting Iran's regional influence. Parallel to the maritime and nuclear disputes, the U.S. Treasury has imposed new sanctions on nine individuals linked to Hezbollah and Iranian interests in Lebanon. The targets include Iran’s designated ambassador to Lebanon, with the U.S. accusing the group of obstructing peace processes and resisting disarmament. These actions signal a broader strategy to weaken Iran's proxy architecture even as diplomatic channels through Pakistan remain active.