APTOPIX Iran War

The U.S. says it has attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz that tried to get around its blockade of Iranian ports. Iran's joint military command says Tehran will respond soon and calls it an act of piracy. It’s the first interception since the U.S. naval blockade began last week. The incident raises questions about the fragile ceasefire that expires within days. Trump's announcement earlier on Sunday about another round of U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan this week is now in question. Iran hasn't confirmed its attendance. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global oil trade, and prices are rising again.

President Donald Trump is defending his Iran war strategy, attacking critics and skeptics on Monday as “TRAITORS, ALL” after a second round of talks with Iran were thrown into doubt by the U.S. Navy’s seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. It was the first such interception since the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports began last week, and Iran’s military vowed to respond. Trump said Vice President JD Vance would be going Monday to Islamabad, where Pakistani officials were preparing a venue, but Iranians made no commitment to more talks. Trump later said he's highly unlikely renew the ceasefire before it expires Wednesday.