Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.
Talks between the United States and Iran are set to begin this weekend in Pakistan,
with delegations expected in Islamabad under tight security.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says President Trump's negotiating team is prepared to engage,
but is watching conditions in the region closely.
The president will only make a deal that serves in the best interests of the United States of America.
And he as a negotiating team will focus on this effort over the next two weeks,
so long as the Strait of Hormuz remains open with no limitations or delays.
But overnight, Iranian state media reported tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been suspended,
accusing the U.S.
Of violating parts of the agreement tied to the conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
Ceasefire in the region is showing signs of strain.
The spokesman for Iran's Revolutionary Guard posted on Exit Iran will, quote, not leave our brothers in Hezbollah alone,
adding that the IRGC Navy has started blocking ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Reopening the strait for two weeks was part of the ceasefire deal.
This came after Israel launched what it called Operation Eternal Darkness
against Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon.
The White House maintains that the claims that the strait is closed are completely false.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Adel actually said on Next that, quote, The U.S.
Must choose, ceasefire or continue war via Israel.