The US military has officially commenced a naval blockade against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz following the expiry of a deadline set by President Trump. Despite the escalation, mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are continuing talks with both nations in an effort to bridge divides and secure a lasting peace deal before the ceasefire expires on April 21. President Trump confirmed the blockade's start, warning Iran's remaining fast-attack ships would be "immediately eliminated" if they approach, while also considering resuming strikes if Iran does not change course. A US official framed the blockade as part of ongoing negotiations, aiming to prevent Iran from using the strategic waterway as leverage.

US naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz commences as Pakistani, Egyptian, Turkish mediators work to bridge gaps before ceasefire expires April 21.

With the US military naval blockade against Iran officially commenced following the expiry of the deadline established by US President Donald Trump, mediators continue talks with the US and Iran to bridge gaps and reach a deal to end the war, Axios reported, citing a regional source and a US official.

As per the report by Axios, Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish mediators will continue talks with the U.S. and Iran in the coming days.

The report noted that all parties still believe a deal is possible and the mediators hope that bridging the divide could enable another round of negotiations before the ceasefire expires on April 21.

According to Axios, US President Trump is considering resuming strikes if a U.S. naval blockade doesn't make Iran change course, sources said.

It mentioned that the targets could include infrastructure Trump threatened to attack before the ceasefire was announced.

Citing a US official, Axios said that the blockade, like the U.S. decision to walk away from the talks in Pakistan, is part of the ongoing negotiations.

The official claimed Trump wants to prevent Iran from using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in the ceasefire negotiations.

"We are not in a complete deadlock. The door is not closed yet. Both sides are bargaining. It's a bazaar," the regional source said according to Axios.