The United States on Monday began enforcing a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic, sharply escalating tensions in the Gulf just hours after high-level talks between Washington and Tehran in Pakistan ended without agreement.

The move, announced by President Donald Trump, followed negotiations in Islamabad that failed to produce a breakthrough despite what participants described as rare direct engagement between both sides.

However, Lt. Gen. (ret.) Mohammed Saeed, former Pakistan Army chief of general staff, said in an exclusive interview that the discussions came closer to success than the outcome suggests, insisting that diplomacy remains possible, according to Fox News.

“Both sides are saying they were very close … even inches away from a solution,” he said based on his own knowledge and reports. Saeed retired in 2023 but remained part of the core team handling operational planning, internal security coordination, and sensitive periods of political tension.

“They talked to each other in a very friendly manner. There was, from both sides, an expression of accommodation and understanding from each other. So, what you can briefly say is that the engagement has sufficient potential to resume.”

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump defended the blockade, saying there was currently “no fighting” and that Iran’s ability to trade had been effectively shut down.

He added that the United States would maintain the pressure, claiming Iran was “doing absolutely no business” and that the situation would be kept under control with ease.

He also asserted that Iran’s military strength had been severely weakened, saying its navy, air force, air defenses, radar systems, and leadership structure had all been significantly degraded.