Vance accuses Iran of ‘economic terrorism’ over its blocking of Hormuz Strait, says ball is in Tehran’s court
Vice President JD Vance has accused Iran of carrying out what he called “economic terrorism” through its actions around the Strait of Hormuz, while stressing that any resolution to the standoff ultimately depends on decisions made in Tehran.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News on Monday, Vance said the United States is prepared to respond in kind following the start of a U.S. blockade affecting Iranian maritime access. He described the situation as reciprocal pressure, saying that if Iran continues restricting commercial movement, Washington will ensure Iranian vessels also face consequences. He argued this approach is intended to increase economic leverage on Tehran.
The blockade began just two days after extended U.S.-Iran negotiations in Islamabad, Islamabad ended without agreement. Those talks reportedly lasted around 21 hours. Vance said Iranian negotiators engaged in serious discussion and made some movement toward U.S. positions, but ultimately failed to reach final terms.
According to Vance, “good conversations” took place and there was measurable progress, though not enough to close the gap. He added that further dialogue remains possible, but emphasized that Washington believes the responsibility now lies with Iran to take the next step. He also said the U.S. laid out clear red lines during the negotiations and believes a broader “grand deal” could still be possible if Iran changes course.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that discussions saw movement on several issues, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told French President Emmanuel Macron that what Tehran views as unrealistic U.S. demands prevented an agreement. Reports indicated the U.S. had pushed for Iran to suspend nuclear-related activity for two decades, while Iran countered with a proposed five-year pause.
The U.S. military blockade of Iranian ports is aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran to open access through the strait. In response, Iranian officials have issued warnings regarding potential action in the wider Persian Gulf region. President Trump warned earlier in the day that Iranian vessels approaching the restricted area could be “immediately eliminated.”
Tehran has condemned the blockade as an act of “piracy,” with President Pezeshkian warning it could trigger serious global repercussions. International reactions have been sharply divided. China criticized the move, with foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun calling it “dangerous and irresponsible,” arguing it could worsen already fragile regional tensions and threaten maritime safety.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also reiterated broader principles for de-escalation, saying global affairs should not return to what he described as a “law of the jungle,” and emphasizing respect for sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.
Despite the heightened tensions, there are indications that U.S. and Iranian negotiators could resume discussions later in the week, with no fixed date confirmed. Iranian sources have said a window from Friday through Sunday has been left open for the possibility of renewed talks.
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