Trump reverses stance on Iran deal, maintains Hormuz blockade
Contradicting previous optimism, Donald Trump confirms naval blockade remains in force while Iranian media report persistent disagreements over nuclear ambitions and frozen assets.
US President Donald Trump has instructed his representatives not to rush into a deal with Iran, significantly dampening hopes of an imminent breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. The statement, posted on Truth Social, directly contradicts comments made by the President just one day earlier, where he had suggested that an agreement had been largely negotiated. This reversal has stalled market optimism regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and clarified the administration’s current negotiating posture.
Trump confirmed that the US blockade on Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz would remain in full force until a formal agreement is reached, certified, and signed. The President’s directive signals a more cautious approach from the White House, moving away from the immediate resolution previously implied. There was no immediate response from the Iranian government to the latest statement, leaving diplomatic channels in a state of uncertainty.
Iranian media reports indicate that significant disagreements persist between the two nations on several critical issues. According to the Tasnim news agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the United States is obstructing parts of a potential deal, particularly concerning Tehran’s demand for the release of frozen foreign assets. The two sides remain at odds over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the lifting of sanctions, and the broader context of Israel’s war in Lebanon.
The complexity of the negotiations is further compounded by internal political dynamics within the United States. Hardline Republican factions continue to demand total surrender from Iran, creating pressure on the White House’s strategy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed that President Trump will not agree to a "bad deal," a clarification intended to define the administration’s red lines as talks intensify.
As the conflict enters its 87th day, the diplomatic timeline remains uncertain. US intelligence reports suggest that Iran’s supreme leader was injured in the initial phase of the conflict, a factor that may complicate decision-making processes in Tehran. Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to ripple outward, with Cuba warning of severe consequences should the US escalate military action, following reports of Havana acquiring military drones from Russia and Iran.
