Trump orders team to freeze Iran talks, warns of heavy strikes if pressure fails

TEHRAN, Iran — U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his team to freeze negotiations with Iran for weeks, with the directive potentially extendable, according to sources familiar with the matter. Trump told his negotiating team that the chances of reaching a deal with Tehran have weakened, the sources said. The U.S. administration is also reviewing intelligence indicating that Iran is planning to resume attacks on ships and carry out operations beyond its current maritime campaign, according to the same sources. Separately, reports that Yemen's Houthis could escalate their activities in the Bab el-Mandeb strait have been shared with the administration. Trump has told his team that intensive strikes on Iran remain an option if economic pressure fails to produce results, the sources added. No further details on the timeline or scope of the suspended talks were immediately available.