New Delhi, April 30 -- Tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate, with the White House signalling that it is prepared to sustain a naval blockade of Iranian ports for an extended period. This comes amid financial costs to the United States crossing 25 billion dollars, as assessed by the Pentagon.

President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Iran on social media, saying no deal if Tehran's nuclear weapons pursuit continues. He said, Iran talks are now 'telephonic' amid stalled peace talks.

The latest developments point to a widening deadlock. Washington continues to insist that Iran's nuclear programme must be part of any ceasefire framework, while Tehran has refused to negotiate under pressure.

Adding to internati...