Donald Trump

Meanwhile, Netanyahu says Israel fully backs Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, rejects claims of a rift with Washington, and stresses US demands to halt Tehran's nuclear enrichment program.

Trump said the US military would work with other countries to block all maritime traffic in the waterway, after weekend talks failed to reach an agreement to end the six-week conflict with Iran.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said he understood Trump's frustrations with the alliance, but that the "large majority of European nations" had been helpful to Washington's war effort in Iran.

The blockade was set to begin at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, which is in the afternoon in Iran. Whether this marks a bold new strategy or a sign the US is grasping at straws remains to be seen.

The post remained online for over an hour and gained traction on American platforms, reaching roughly half a million views.

Is the Iran conflict is nearing any sort of resolution? Senior breaking news desk manager Shir Perets details arguments that recent developments point instead to a fragile and uncertain pause.

Trump added that Pope Leo "should be thankful," as the only reason he had been elected to the Vatican was "because he was an American" who would be able to "deal with President Donald J. Trump."

European countries raise concerns over naval blockade • Trump: ‘I don’t care’ if Iran comes back to negotiations • Erdogan threatens military action against Israel

Trump signaled indifference to renewed Iran talks, blaming nuclear ambitions for their collapse and announcing a US naval blockade.

According to US officials cited by The Wall Street Journal, the US President is considering a limited operation against Iran following the failed round of negotiations in Islamabad.