Trump says no talks with Iran, contradicting envoy's remarks amid ongoing conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that no talks with Iran are currently underway or scheduled, asserting that the naval blockade remains "fully in effect and operational." He also stated that the Strait of Hormuz is "open and functional," with all naval mines cleared. Trump made these remarks on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he also shared a map depicting the strait as "American territory."

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No conversation or discussion is taking place right now nor is one scheduled with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The naval blockade remains fully in effect and operational. The Strait of Hormuz is open and functional. All sea mines have been removed or detonated.

This statement appeared to contradict earlier comments from U.S. envoy Jared Kushner, who had described discussions with Iran as "very positive and animated" just the day before. A U.S. official clarified to AFP that while discussions were suspended, Trump had instructed his team not to resume dialogue until Tehran aligns with American positions.

Iranian officials have shown little inclination to concede. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator, stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not be opened until Washington fulfills its commitments under a June memorandum of understanding. This agreement, intended to facilitate a lasting diplomatic settlement, has so far yielded no results. Ghalibaf listed Iran's conditions, including the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, the end of the oil embargo, and a cessation of military operations on all fronts.

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very positive and animated

The conflict, now in its eighth month, continues to be a source of regional tension. The United Arab Emirates accused Iran on Tuesday of firing two ballistic missiles into the sea, which they claim were aimed at maritime navigation. This marks the first detected attack against the UAE in months. Despite Trump's assertions, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly reduced compared to pre-conflict levels, with some vessels opting to disable their transponders, complicating accurate counts.

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The Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until Washington fulfills its commitments under a June memorandum of understanding.