US shuts down Iran's maritime trade despite optimism for more talks

Officials from Pakistan, Iran and the Gulf also said negotiating teams from the US and Iran could return to Pakistan later this week Picture: AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool.

The United States said on Wednesday its military had completely halted trade going in and out ofIran by sea, even though President ​Donald Trump said talks with Tehran on ending the war could resume this week. 

Mr Trump said negotiations between US and Iranian officials could resume in Pakistan in the ‌next two days and Vice President JD Vance, who led weekend talks that ended without a breakthrough, said he felt positive about where things stood.