A day after high-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran collapsed in Pakistan, US President Donald Trump signalled a stern stance, saying Washington is not concerned about whether Tehran returns to the table.
Speaking to reporters outside Air Force One, Trump said, "Iran is in a very bad shape," adding that the talks lasted nearly 21 hours, while noting that the US understands the situation better than anyone.
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On the prospects of further engagement, he said, "I don't know. I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine."
.@POTUS on negotiations with Iran: "I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine." pic.twitter.com/iQEV428A6F
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 13, 2026
Nuclear issue remains central
Despite some progress during the discussions, Trump reiterated that the core issue remains unresolved. "Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. There is no way," he said.
"They still want it, and they made that clear the other night. Iran will NOT have a nuclear weapon," he added.
The US President also claimed that Iran's military capabilities have been significantly weakened, asserting that its forces are "gone", missile stockpiles are "largely depleted" and production capacity for missiles and drones has been "largely defeated".
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He further stated that the US had been "nice" to Iran as it did nit attack a lot of bridges in Iran, noting that only one brudge was attacked only because "they broke their word".
Strait of Hormuz blockade announced
Tensions escalated further with Trump confirming a maritime blockade targeting Iranian-linked movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
"So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not. Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," Trump said in a Truth Social post.
He described any attempt by Iran to restrict access to the Strait as "world extortion", warning that vessels paying an "illegal toll" would not have safe passage.
Trump also accused Iran of going back on its commitments. "Their promise was that they were going to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they didn't do it. They lied," he said.
Iran blames US demands
Iran, meanwhile, pushed back against Washington's position. State broadcaster IRIB reported that talks led by US Vice President JD Vance failed due to the "unreasonable demands" of the American side, despite what it described as serious engagement by Tehran's delegation.
