Washington, August 10: U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are currently proceeding in a “half-hearted” manner. According to a report by Axios, he suggested that rather than initiating a new military campaign, he is prepared to increase economic pressure on Iran.
In a brief phone conversation with Axios, Trump remarked, “We are not making a big deal out of it.” He emphasized that Iran’s economic situation is “very bad.”
The report also indicated that an agreement concerning maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is being prepared among Iran, Oman, and the U.S., which has been pending for several days.
According to the Xinhua news agency, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated that Iran and Oman are close to finalizing an agreement on a temporary route for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Zarif further mentioned that negotiations between Iran and the U.S. cannot resume until the U.S. ceases violations of the recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two countries. During an event in Tehran, he stressed that there are currently no ongoing talks between Iran and the U.S.
Earlier, Trump warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened “very soon,” Iran would face “serious consequences.” In an interview with Fox News, he claimed that “very good discussions” are taking place between the U.S. and Iran. However, Tehran has denied this assertion, stating that no negotiations are occurring.
Trump had previously warned Iran that they were being given a “final chance.” He claimed that discussions regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz were underway and that it could potentially be resolved “as soon as tomorrow.”
On Monday, he stated from the Oval Office, “I mean, this matter will be resolved one way or another quickly. It’s not a very complex issue.” He added, “We are discussing opening and maintaining the Strait, and it could really happen by tomorrow.” Yet, Iran reiterated that no such discussions are taking place with the U.S.
These conflicting claims have left the future of this crucial waterway, which is considered a major route for nearly 20% of the world’s fossil fuel transit, uncertain.
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