U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Pause Holds Tenuously as Talks Begin and Blockade Threat Looms

President Trump announced a second consecutive night of halted U.S. strikes against Iran, claiming 'very deep' negotiations are underway, while simultaneously warning that 'very severe' military attacks would resume if talks failed. Iran's Khatam al-Anbia military command — which oversees Iran's war management — publicly warned that any repeat naval blockade of Iranian ports would be interpreted as 'expansion of war.' Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed American contacts but denied direct talks, stating Iran's priority is protection of its people and territorial integrity. Pentagon figures show 18 U.S. troops killed and at least 624 wounded since hostilities began approximately five months ago. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived in Washington, where his meeting with Trump is expected to cover the Iran conflict.