Diplomacy stalls as US-Iran talks falter amid Hormuz blockade

The US cancels a Pakistan-hosted round of indirect talks with Iran as Washington and Tehran remain far apart on conditions for negotiations. Iran demands lifting the blockade of Iranian ports before talks can proceed, while the US says Iran’s offers are insufficient. Pakistan remains a mediator, with Iranian officials meeting Islamabad officials and traveling to Oman and Russia. The April ceasefire largely holds, but both sides accuse each other of violations, and disputes over Hormuz navigation and Iran’s uranium enrichment keep diplomacy stalled.