Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating as the Trump administration declared a blockade of Iran’s ports and Tehran threatened regional strikes.

US Iran war updates LIVE: In a u-turn of its order to reopen Hormuz, Iran on Saturday again shut the energy choke point, adding fresh uncertainty to the war, which the US and Israel launched on February 28.

Vice President JD Vance will again lead the U.S. delegation for talks mediated by Pakistan, a White House official said. There was no immediate comment from Tehran. The Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed.

Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and said it wants a permanent end to the war as President Donald Trump's ultimatum to make a deal ticked closer

Iran reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and warned it would continue to block it until the U.S. blockade is lifted.

Iran says it has accepted a two-week ceasefire in the war, and will negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he’s pulling back on his threats to widen attacks.

Pakistan’s army chief is meeting with Iranian officials in Tehran to ease Middle East tensions and arrange U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Iran claims US blockade of ports violates ceasefire, but Trump says: ‘We’re talking to them … they can’t blackmail us’