US-Iran war stalled over the blockade of Hormuz

April 16, 2026

It is the world’s misfortune that the war between the US, Israel, and Iran shows no signs of ending. The 21-hour marathon talks between Iranian and US representatives in Islamabad failed. Vice President JD Vance, while leaving Pakistan, stated that while agreement had been reached on some issues, Iran remained adamant on several key issues, thus the talks were postponed for the time being.

This triggered a series of sharp statements from both sides. A new development is that, in addition to geographical devastation, the dimension of economic devastation has also been added to this war. The issues on which no agreement was being reached were Iran’s uranium reserves and its right to enrich it.

The US wanted Iran to halt uranium enrichment for 20 years. Iran was completely unwilling to accept this condition. It only wanted to accept this condition for five years. However, Iran verbally stated that it did not want to develop a nuclear bomb. Furthermore, the issue of Iran’s tariffs on the Strait of Hormus and Iran’s right to that route was also involved. The US wanted no tariffs at all and the route should remain open as before. Following the failure of the talks, the US clearly stated that it would blockade the Strait of Hormus and blockade ships paying tariffs to Iran in the Gulf of Oman. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also offered to mediate in this conflict.

Russia is also entitled to allow Iran to enrich uranium, but the US is absolutely unwilling to accept this. Iran is threatening to destroy all Gulf ports in response to the blockade of Hormuz. All this is being done in a strange, suicidal manner. If this is not shooting oneself in the foot, then what is? On the other hand, new statements coming out every minute indicate that the next phase of this dialogue could begin on Thursday. If both countries engage in sincere dialogue, the storm of destruction can be stopped. We believe that Israel’s participation or tacit approval is essential for the next talks; only then will lasting peace be possible.