US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about potential talks with Iran, stating that he expects "more talks" with the country as soon as this week. In a phone interview with Axios on Sunday, Trump reiterated his claim that Tehran desperately wants to "make a deal." However, a security source in Tehran dismissed Trump's remarks as "media rhetoric" that does not change the realities on the ground.
Trump's comments come after he dismissed the latest Iranian peace proposal as "unacceptable." Tehran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of the US naval blockade and the resumption of nuclear negotiations. Trump told Axios that he expects a deal, but it would not be the one he would have agreed to a year ago, suggesting that Iran "overplayed their hand."
The US president also confirmed that the resumption of full-scale hostilities with Iran remains a viable option, stating that he has "always" been thinking about renewing strikes. Meanwhile, Trump claimed that over the weekend, the US facilitated the transfer of "more than 20 million barrels" of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, which would be the largest amount in months but still below pre-war levels.
However, Tehran has challenged the US narrative of maintaining full control over Hormuz and reportedly blocked nearly two dozen vessels from passing through the strait over the weekend. An Iranian security official stated that Trump's claims were an attempt at market manipulation, adding that there is no operational and sustainable mechanism for safe navigation through the strategic waterway outside the framework established and approved by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated the terms of the country's peace plan, simultaneously signalling openness to further negotiations and readiness to continue the conflict "even if it comes to a doomsday war." Araghchi stated that Iran wants its assets, which are illegally frozen, to be released, and for the US to allow the country to sell its oil.
Earlier reporting by the Wall Street Journal suggested that Trump not only threw out the Iranian proposal but also told his aides he expected a renewed bombing campaign against the country after the November midterm elections in the US. The US president's comments have added to tensions between the two countries, with Iran insisting that Trump's rhetoric will not change the realities on the ground.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides seemingly unwilling to back down. Trump's comments have sparked concerns about a potential conflict in the region, while Iran's insistence on its peace plan and resistance to US pressure has raised questions about the prospects for a negotiated settlement.
Key points
- Trump expects more talks with Iran as soon as this week.
- Tehran has challenged the US narrative of maintaining full control over Hormuz.
- Iran's peace plan includes the release of frozen assets and permission to sell oil.
