Trump blasts ‘duplicitous’ Iran after Tehran denies it is in talks with the US

Tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated following conflicting statements about diplomatic engagement. Trump claimed Iran had requested talks to end the conflict that began in February, only to publicly deny such discussions were occurring. According to Trump, Iran stated it was dealing exclusively with Oman and asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Trump characterized the US naval blockade as a "Wall of Steel" and declared that nothing will reach Iran unless a deal or complete surrender is achieved. The announcement came after Trump had previously indicated the US would forgo a major bombing campaign, citing input from Gulf allies including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as unnamed Iranian officials.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei clarified that Tehran is pursuing multiple diplomatic channels with Oman, regional countries, and international partners to reduce tensions. He emphasized that Oman's focus is on establishing safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei stated that without an end to the US blockade and military actions, significant changes in the waterway are unlikely.

Meanwhile, Iran's trade minister traveled to Pakistan to discuss alternative shipping routes and port access during the blockade. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade passes, remains a critical flashpoint. The US and Iran have engaged in cycles of strikes and threatened strikes since June, when a Pakistan-brokered agreement aimed to revive shipping and end the conflict.