The U.S. said Wednesday its military had shut down trade going in and out of Iran by sea. 

That's while President Donald Trump saying talks with Tehran on ending the war could resume this week.

A move that sent oil prices down for a second day. 

"They'd like to make a deal very badly."

:: April 13, 2026

Trump said U.S.-Iranian negotiations could resume in Pakistan in the next two days...

:: Islamabad, Pakistan / April 12, 2026

While Vice President JD Vance, who led unresolved talks at the weekend, said he was optimistic. 

Officials from Pakistan, Iran and the Gulf also said negotiating teams could return. 

:: File

Despite the optimism, more vessels were being turned back under the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.

:: MarineTraffic

That included a U.S.-sanctioned and Chinese-owned tanker that was making its way back to the Strait of Hormuz from the Persian Gulf on Wednesday.

U.S. Central Command said American forces had completely halted economic trade going in and out of Iran by sea - which he said fuels 90% of Iran's economy.

:: File

Earlier the U.S. military said it had intercepted eight Iran-linked oil tankers since the start of the blockade on Monday, according to the Wall Street Journal.

In talks, Iran's nuclear program remains a key sticking point with the U.S.

Sources said Washington is calling for a 20-year halt of all nuclear activity while Tehran suggests three to five years. 

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