US President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States will maintain its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the measure is ‘absolutely destroying Iran’ and will only cease with the agreement of a peace deal. Trump announced that the current ceasefire is slated to conclude on Wednesday evening local time, indicating it’s ‘highly unlikely’ he would extend it if Washington and Tehran fail to reach an accord to end the conflict by then. Speaking with Bloomberg, he emphasized, ‘I’m not going to be rushed into making a bad deal. We’ve got all the time in the world.’ He was resolute that the US military blockade of Iranian vessels would remain ‘until there is a ‘DEAL’.’
In response, Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran does not accept negotiations with the US under threats. Despite this firm stance, reports suggest Iran is ‘positively reviewing its participation’ in another round of peace talks, though a final decision is pending. This shift reportedly follows ‘positive’ mediation efforts by Pakistan, particularly regarding the US naval blockade, which Iran considers a major obstacle.
Tensions escalated further after the US seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska, alleging it attempted to violate the US naval blockade. Iran’s foreign ministry vehemently condemned this as an ‘illegal and brutal action’ and demanded the immediate release of the crew, warning that the Islamic Republic would ‘use all its capabilities to defend Iran’s national interests and security.’ In retaliation for the blockade, Iran has warned it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the restrictions are lifted.
Trump also claimed that ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ – last year’s US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities – resulted in a ‘complete and total obliteration’ of the country’s uranium enrichment sites. He criticized certain media outlets for not giving ‘our great aviators the credit they deserve.’ Concurrently, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized US media, suggesting outlets were ‘rooting for the Iranian regime over the American people.’
Amidst these developments, JD Vance is anticipated to lead a US delegation to Islamabad for potential peace talks, contingent on Tehran agreeing to attend. Trump has also publicly criticized the Obama-era Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA), promising any new deal would be ‘FAR BETTER.’ He expressed confidence that Iran ‘is going to negotiate,’ while also warning of unprecedented problems if they do not.
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