WASHINGTON, Aug 18 – President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that there are no current or planned talks between the U.S. and Iran. He added that the Strait of Hormuz is open, but Iranian officials responded by saying the shipping route will stay closed until the U.S. meets certain terms from a recent interim agreement.
Trump mentioned in a post on Truth Social, "There are no talks or conversations happening or scheduled with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains fully in effect. The Strait of Hormuz is open and functioning, with all water mines having been either removed or detonated."
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a key Iranian negotiator, said in statements to state media on Tuesday that the Strait will remain closed until the U.S. fulfills specific conditions outlined in an interim deal signed in June.
These conditions include lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, ending oil sanctions, releasing Iran's frozen assets, and ceasing threats and military actions, Qalibaf told the parliament.
On Monday, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, expressed optimism about ongoing discussions between the U.S. and various parts of the Iranian government.
"I can't share details, but I will say that dialogues between the U.S. government and different areas of the Iranian government are likely more active than ever before," Kushner told Fox News.
However, progress towards peace talks and restoring oil tanker operations through the crucial Strait of Hormuz has stalled. This delay raises concerns about escalating the conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Iran will adopt a "fully offensive" military stance due to the lack of progress in negotiations for a permanent resolution to the war with the U.S.
When asked by reporters on Monday if the U.S. intended to extend June's interim agreement, Trump responded with a firm no.