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.