Trump rejects Iran talks as Hormuz crisis persists

US President Donald Trump said this week that the United States is not engaged in any negotiations with Iran, contradicting Iranian claims that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to shipping traffic.

Uncertainty over a potential resolution to the nearly six-month conflict pushed oil prices higher, while global stock markets declined and borrowing costs in major economies, including the United States, rose amid concerns about inflation and long-term fiscal pressures.

A temporary ceasefire expired on Monday, and a senior Iranian official said Tehran had shifted to a “fully offensive” military stance because of the diplomatic deadlock. However, no new attacks were reported by either side this week.In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

He also said that the naval blockade remained in place but insisted that the Strait of Hormuz was open and functioning normally, adding that all naval mines had either been removed or neutralised.

His comments differed from those made a day earlier by Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy, who said discussions with Iran were continuing and were “probably more robust” than ever.

Prolonged standoffThe conflict has evolved into a prolonged standoff. Iran has continued to threaten maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington has warned it could resume military action if negotiations fail to produce a lasting agreement.

Despite Trump’s claims that conditions in the Gulf were improving, reports of threats to shipping persisted. The United Arab Emirates said it detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran, marking the first such incident reported since an earlier strike on Fujairah port. According to Emirati authorities, the missiles appeared to target maritime traffic but ultimately fell into the sea.

Meanwhile, Iran maintained that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States fulfils the terms of an interim agreement signed in June. Iran’s conditions include ending the blockade of Iranian ports, lifting oil sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and halting military threats and operations.

A senior Iranian official was quoted as saying that Tehran remains willing to engage in dialogue with Washington but does not view negotiations as surrender. He reportedly stressed that sanctions and military pressure would not weaken Iran’s resolve and that the country would continue defending its security, dignity and regional allies while avoiding a broader war.

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