Hopes rise for renewed talks as US military says Iran blockade is in force

President Donald Trump said he views the war ‘as very close to over’ (Alex Brandon/AP)

Hopes have risen for renewed talks between the United States and Iran, as the US military said its blockade of Iranian ports was in full effect and Tehran threatened to retaliate by striking targets across the war-weary region.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a second round of talks could happen “over the next two days”, telling the New York Post the negotiations could be held again in Islamabad as diplomats worked through back channels to arrange them.