A CNN report revealed last night that President Donald Trump has ordered senior U.S. envoys to completely halt talks with Iran. At the same time, White House officials recently told political allies that the administration is shifting its strategy from an approach of “hitting Iran as soon as possible” to one of gradually “strangling it” over time.
2+Instead of claiming that talks are progressing well and that a new deal is just around the corner—as he repeatedly asserted since the ceasefire signed in June collapsed—Trump officially announced today on his Truth Social account that no diplomatic engagement with Tehran is currently taking place.
Meanwhile, the confrontation between the countries continues to escalate
After the deadline for an agreement passed two days ago, the American president made clear that the naval blockade on Iran remains in full force. “No talks or discussions are taking place, or are planned, with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote, adding: “The Naval Blockade remains in full force. The Straits of Hormuz are open and operational. All water mines have been removed or detonated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
2+Trump’s statement came after he posted an image of a map showing the Strait of Hormuz alongside parts of Iran, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman, with “America’s New Territory” written at the top and the strait area circled.
The post sparked outrage in Tehran and drew sharp threats from Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, who claimed on X that Trump’s perception is an “illusion” that will soon be corrected. “We will correct the delusions of this delusional man,” Gharibabadi attacked.
2+The current tensions come just two days after the 60-day deadline set under the understanding between the countries expired without the sides reaching an agreement aimed at ending the war and advancing on the nuclear issue. With the collapse of diplomatic negotiations, sanctions returned to full force and the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz intensified. President Trump summed up the expiration of the memorandum of understanding, stating: “The number one goal is, and always will be, that Iran will not be able, in any way, shape, or form, to have a Nuclear Weapon.”