Washington: President Donald Trump has lashed out after Iran denied it was in negotiations with the United States, declaring in a social media post that a US military blockade will continue until there is a "Deal, or Total surrender."
According to TRTworld.com, Trump labeled Iran "duplicitous" for claiming it was not negotiating. On Monday, Trump wrote, "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." His statement followed Iran's assertion that there were no direct talks with Washington, contrary to Trump's earlier claims of potential negotiations after he canceled a threatened bombing over the weekend.
The Iranian foreign ministry stated that their only discussions were with Oman about sharing control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global energy trade. Trump, however, insisted that Iran had asked for talks, describing their statements as typical rhetoric about controlling Hormuz.
Trump emphasized that the strait is under US control, stating, "Nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a Deal, or Total Surrender, is accomplished." He highlighted the US Navy's role in this blockade, referring to it as "The United States Wall of Steel."
The conflict escalated on February 28, when Trump, alongside Israel, launched a war against Iran. Initial objectives included dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities, missiles, and supporting an uprising against the government. Despite these efforts, Iran continues to launch missiles and drones at US and allied targets and maintains its enriched uranium stockpiles.
The ongoing US pressure has not deterred Iranian attacks on ships in Hormuz, which have significantly affected global energy trading. This development has provided Tehran with a significant advantage in the ongoing standoff.