US President Donald Trump said he expects more talks with Iran as early as this week, claiming that Tehran 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. The source stated that Trump's claims were an attempt at oil market manipulation.
Trump made the remarks in a phone interview with Axios on Sunday, a day after dismissing 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 reiterated his claim that Tehran desperately wants to "make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make."
The US president also confirmed that the resumption of full-scale hostilities with Iran remains a viable option, telling the outlet he has "always" been thinking about renewing strikes. Trump claimed that over the weekend, the US facilitated the transfer of "more than 20 million barrels" of oil through the strait, which would be the largest amount in months but still below pre-war levels.
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 20 vessels, including seven the previous night and 13 the night before, were halted while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The official suggested that Trump's claims were an attempt at market manipulation, stating that there is no operational and sustainable mechanism for safe navigation through this 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, signalling openness to further negotiations and readiness to continue the conflict.
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. He referred to the June memorandum of understanding, highlighting the conditions for a potential deal. Earlier reporting 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 situation remains tense, with both sides seemingly unwilling to back down. Trump's comments have been met with skepticism in Tehran, which insists that his shifting rhetoric cannot change the realities on the ground. The international community remains concerned about the potential for conflict in the region, with many urging restraint and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
Key points
- Trump expects more talks with Iran soon, but Tehran says his rhetoric won't change the ground realities.
- The US facilitated the transfer of over 20 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.
- Tehran has challenged the US narrative of maintaining full control over Hormuz, blocking nearly two dozen vessels from passing through the strait.
