President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Iran for denying ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the escalating conflict involving the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global energy supplies. Speaking on his social media platform, Trump accused Tehran of being “unbelievably duplicitous” for simultaneously requesting talks while dismissing their existence.
Trump claimed that Iran had actively sought diplomatic engagement, saying Tehran had “begged” for discussions despite its denials. He insisted that talks were taking place, with additional meetings scheduled in the near future, contrary to Iranian statements that only limited contact with Oman, which borders the strait, had occurred. The president also rejected Iran’s assertion of control over the Strait of Hormuz, describing such claims as “usual blather” and emphasising that the waterway remains firmly under the control of the United States Navy.
The comments followed Trump’s announcement on Sunday that he had ordered a pause on planned US military strikes against Iran, which he described as the potential “biggest attack since World War II,” to allow space for diplomatic efforts. He outlined that any successful deal would include the reopening of the strait, which Iran has effectively closed off since the conflict intensified in late February. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, the waterway had remained open to international shipping.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai refuted the president’s claims about negotiations and the reopening of the strait. Baghai acknowledged discussions over the use of the channel with Oman but firmly stated that “no talks about reopening the waterway” had taken place. He also maintained that the status of the strait “will in no way return to what it was before February 28,” the date marking the start of the current conflict.
Iran has sought to assert control over the strait through actions including demanding permission for vessel transits, attacking ships, and threatening to impose fees, sustaining a strategic chokehold on the vital passage. The United States and its allies have decried these moves as aggressive and destabilising.
Trump further noted the significant role played by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in urging caution against escalation. The president spoke with the Saudi leader by phone shortly before halting strikes, with Saudi officials reportedly warning that intensified US military action could provoke Iranian retaliation against Gulf allies, risking broader regional instability and economic consequences. While the kingdom and other Gulf states like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates possess strong defensive capabilities, concerns remain about the vulnerability of Kuwait to attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.
Despite stepping back from immediate military action, Trump has not ruled out future escalation, reflecting a balancing act between pursuing a diplomatic resolution and contemplating force. Analysts have suggested that the president’s reluctance to launch large-scale strikes may indicate an acknowledgment within the administration that military power alone may not compel Iran to concede. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate a complex and high-stakes confrontation.