‘Defeated’ Trump forced to go back to diplomacy as Hormuz siege falls flat?

Iran is openly defying Donald Trump’s naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, signalling it won’t be economically strangled. Tehran has unveiled a counter-strategy to neutralise U.S. pressure and keep supply lines intact. Even as tensions escalate, Washington appears to be recalibrating. Trump is now eyeing a fresh round of talks in Islamabad, while JD Vance doubles down, demanding a full reopening of Hormuz and warning of economic retaliation. The standoff now reflects a high-stakes mix of brinkmanship and backchannel diplomacy, with neither side willing to blink.