President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that there are no active or planned negotiations between the United States and Iran. In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump asserted that the naval blockade remains in effect, though he noted that the Strait of Hormuz is currently operational after all water mines were cleared or detonated.
This position contrasts with comments made Monday by Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and special envoy. Kushner had expressed optimism regarding ongoing diplomatic channels, telling Fox News that communications between the U.S. government and various Iranian sectors were likely more robust than they had ever been. Despite this, when asked by reporters on Monday whether the administration intended to extend the interim agreement signed in June, Trump explicitly denied it.
The diplomatic deadlock persists as Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that the strategic shipping route would remain closed until the U.S. fulfills the terms of the June interim deal. According to state media reports, Qalibaf told parliament that these requirements include ending military operations and threats, lifting oil sanctions, removing the blockade on Iranian ports, and releasing frozen assets held by Tehran.
Progress toward a lasting peace and the resumption of tanker traffic has stalled, further complicating the conflict initiated by U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28. A senior Iranian official indicated on Monday that the nation is shifting toward a fully offensive military posture, citing the failure of efforts to negotiate a permanent end to the hostilities. The report also notes that outward progress towards peace talks and a resumption of oil tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has ground to a halt, threatening to extend the conflict that the US and Israel launched with attacks. The report also notes that or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran, there are no talks or conversations going on.