United States President Donald Trump has declared that a US military blockade against Iran will remain in place until Tehran agrees to a deal or surrenders completely, following Iran’s denial that it is holding direct negotiations with Washington.
In a strongly worded post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump accused Iran of being “duplicitous” after its government publicly dismissed claims that talks were taking place between the two countries.
“Whether Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking of a solution to a problem that they have caused, for decades,” Trump wrote.
He claimed Iran had requested negotiations but was now refusing to acknowledge them publicly.
UEFA Declares War on FIFA, Threatens World Cup Boycott
“Iran asked for talks—some would say ‘beg’—and now they’re back to their usual blather,” Trump said.
The US president also asserted that the United States had complete control of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz through a naval blockade.
“The Strait of Hormuz is already completely controlled by the United States Navy and our ‘Blockade,’ or, as some say, ‘The United States Wall of Steel!'” he wrote.
“Nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a deal, or total surrender, is accomplished.”
Trump’s comments came hours after Iran’s Foreign Ministry insisted there were no direct negotiations with the United States.
According to Tehran, its only current discussions are with Oman and relate to proposals for joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
The latest exchange follows Trump’s decision over the weekend to suspend a threatened wave of heavy US airstrikes against Iran, saying regional governments and Iranian officials had sought diplomatic engagement.
The conflict between Washington and Tehran has continued for more than five months after the United States and Israel launched coordinated military operations against Iran on February 28.
The campaign initially sought to cripple Iran’s nuclear programme, missile capabilities and weaken the country’s leadership.
Probe ₦6.79bn Police Funds Scandal, Recover Missing Firearms, SERAP Tells Tinubu
BBNaija Season 11: Seven Biggest Moments From the First Week in Biggie’s House
However, despite sustained military pressure, Iran has continued launching missile and drone attacks against US and allied interests across the Middle East and has maintained its stockpile of enriched uranium.
The ongoing tensions have also disrupted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy supplies and increasing geopolitical uncertainty in the region.
