Trump Rules Out Iran Talks as Tehran Says Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that no talks or discussions were currently taking place, or scheduled, with Iran, as diplomatic efforts to end the nearly six-month conflict appeared to stall.

Trump also said the U.S. naval blockade remained in force but claimed that the Strait of Hormuz was open and operating, with mines removed or detonated. His remarks contradicted Iranian statements that the strategically important waterway remained closed to shipping.

Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the Strait would remain shut until Washington met conditions outlined in a June interim agreement, including lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, removing oil sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets and ending military threats and operations.

The developments came after a temporary ceasefire expired on Monday, with Iranian officials warning that Tehran was shifting toward a more offensive military posture as diplomatic efforts faltered. Iran has nevertheless said it remains open to dialogue, while emphasizing that negotiations should not be interpreted as surrender.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor, remained severely disrupted. Reuters reported that preliminary shipping data showed vessel crossings had fallen to single digits, while a vessel was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile while sailing out of the strait.

The uncertainty has also pushed oil prices higher, with Brent crude settling above $91 a barrel on Tuesday as markets weighed the risk of prolonged disruption to global energy supplies.

The worsening diplomatic impasse has raised concerns over a prolonged regional conflict, further disruption to energy markets and broader economic consequences.