Political editor
Trump leaves door open to renewed negotiations US President Donald Trump has signalled that Washington could return to negotiations with Iran, even as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and tensions continue around the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked Wednesday whether the United States would return to the negotiating table, Trump said talks could resume “maybe at some point,” while arguing that the current situation was favourable to Washington.
The comments came just days after Trump said there were no talks underway or scheduled with Tehran, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the diplomatic track. Economic pressure replaces immediate military escalation
Trump has simultaneously announced a major new campaign of economic pressure against Iran. He described it as the most severe economic operation against a country and warned nations and businesses assisting Tehran that they could face serious consequences.
The shift follows the collapse of a 60-day negotiating period established under a June memorandum aimed at finding a broader settlement to the conflict. The deadline expired on August 17 without an agreement.
Strait of Hormuz remains the central dispute. At the heart of the confrontation is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Trump says the waterway is open and that the United States has control of it. Iran maintains that the strait remains effectively closed and has demanded an end to the US blockade and military pressure before normal shipping can resume. Shipping data indicates that traffic remains far below normal levels. Reuters reported that only nine commodity vessels passed through the strait on both Tuesday and Wednesday, underscoring the continuing disruption despite Washington’s claim that the route is operating.
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