Uncertainty remains ahead of expected US-Iran talks

US-Iran tensions escalate after a seized cargo ship and naval clashes, casting doubt on peace talks. US forces have intercepted and taken custody of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, prompting Iran to attack US military ships in retaliation. Iran has denied sending a negotiating delegation to Islamabad for talks, citing the ongoing US naval blockade as a major obstacle to negotiations. The US naval blockade on Iran remains in place.