With the Iran war paused halfway through a 2-week ceasefire, President Trump is again voicing optimism over the potential for a deal to end it for good.

BLOCKADE 'FULLY IMPLEMENTED': The U.S. military said overnight that its blockade of Iranian ports "has been fully implemented" and that "U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea." In the first 24 hours of the blockade, American warships issued warnings to six vessels, prompting them to turn around.

On Monday, Vice President JD Vance signaled a potential path forward in stalled Iran talks as markets stayed steady and oil prices declined. Markets Steady As Oil Prices Slide Dow futures rose 5.00 points,

The U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and renewed Iranian threats have imperiled the week-old agreement but regional officials said Wednesday they are making progress.

The U.S. and Iran may meet again for peace talks.

The US and Iran are closer to extending a ceasefire and restarting negotiations about a longer-term peace deal, the Associated Press reported, even as a standoff intensifies over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran says its right to enrich uranium is “indisputable” but the level is negotiable, as talks with the US continue over ceasefire and sanctions.

Experts say the Trump administration was right to walk away from Iran nuclear talks after Tehran refused to agree to core demands on uranium enrichment.