Iran is at a complete standstill after six months of war and with the 60-day truce now expired. Donald Trump continues to claim that the Strait of Hormuz is open and under US control: indeed, he calls it "a new US territory," complete with an accompanying map . Tehran responds that the strategic stretch of sea is and will remain closed until Washington lifts the naval blockade and sanctions, calling the US president's claims "illusions."

Trump then contradicted his own Middle East envoy, Jared Kushner, denying that talks are underway with the Iranians. Meanwhile, according to informed sources told the Washington Post, the Pentagon is considering reducing its military presence in the Middle East once the conflict with Iran is over. One of the key issues being considered by the Department of Defense is the possible withdrawal of troops from the Persian Gulf , where major American military bases have been repeatedly hit by Iranian attacks in recent months. In an interview with Fox News from Jerusalem, Kushner argued that discussions between the US government and all elements of the Iranian government are more intense than ever. "There have been a lot of productive discussions, which I think is extremely helpful. There's not a lot of trust between the United States and Iran," the president's son-in-law added, specifying that "Trump will make a deal when the conditions are right."

A few hours later, on Truth, the Donald declared the opposite. "There are no ongoing, nor any planned, discussions or talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran . The naval blockade remains fully in effect. The Strait of Hormuz is open and operational," he wrote, adding that "all naval mines have been removed or detonated." The tycoon also reiterated the idea he launched a few days ago of declaring Hormuz American territory, complete with a map and the words "New US Territory." Tehran responded immediately, dismissing the White House resident's definition as "an illusion." "Just as Trump correctly spelled the name of the eternal Persian Gulf, his illusion about the Strait of Hormuz will soon be corrected. Or we will correct the illusions of this deluded man,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi wrote in X. Iran also denied that the strait is open, warning that the terms of the interim agreement must be fulfilled first: the lifting of the maritime blockade and oil sanctions, the unblocking of frozen Iranian assets, and an end to threats and military operations on all fronts.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also intervened in this paralyzed phase. "His message is the same as he has conveyed from the beginning: there is no military solution to this conflict. And he urges Iran and the United States to resume negotiations for a peaceful and lasting solution as soon as possible," a spokesperson said.

(Unioneonline)

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