On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed that there are currently no negotiations with Iran. However, he left the possibility open for future talks amidst reports of a shift in Washington’s strategy from swift confrontation to a policy of 'gradual choking' against Tehran.
Trump told reporters, "There are no negotiations with Iran," adding that Washington might resume talks "at some point," though he believes the current situation is "very good" for the U.S.
The American president has again put the nuclear issue at the forefront of any potential settlement, asserting that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.
Trump emphasized that for him, it's "very simple"—Iran must completely abandon nuclear arms, and Washington will not allow Tehran to possess them.
Iran has continually denied seeking nuclear weapons, yet the U.S. insists on ensuring they lack the capability to produce them as a primary objective of its policy toward Tehran.
In parallel with the nuclear issue, Trump repeated claims that the U.S. fully controls the Strait of Hormuz, a significant stage for political and military standoffs between the two nations in recent months.
Trump reiterated via "Truth Social" that no talks are underway or planned with the Islamic Republic, affirming that the American naval blockade is still in effect.
His statements follow the end of a prior understanding between Washington and Tehran, with no agreement reached nor efforts to extend it.
Signaling a different phase of pressure, CNN cited a U.S. official remarking that Washington is prepping to shift strategies toward Iran.
According to the official, the U.S. informed allies of its intent to transition from rapid strikes to a ‘gradual choking’ strategy through economic sanctions, blockades, and continuous pressure.
The report suggests Washington will impose a new round of sanctions on Tehran this week, alongside maintaining the blockade on Iranian ports.
This approach implies the U.S. administration might opt to drain Iran’s economy and resources gradually rather than relying solely on extensive military actions to meet its objectives.
Concurrently, Washington monitors ongoing negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz with concern.
According to CNN, the American administration fears that a roadmap being discussed by Muscat and Tehran might enhance Iran’s control over ship movements in the strait, conflicting with America's view on freedom of navigation in this strategic waterway.
Conversely, Iran maintains that its current discussions focus exclusively on Oman to establish a temporary and safe route for ships, denying direct negotiations with Washington.
Iran insists that vessels wishing to pass through the strait must follow a path designated by Iranian authorities, accompanied by required permissions and passage fees—arrangements opposed by Washington.
This puts the Strait of Hormuz at the heart of any potential settlement dispute, with the U.S. demanding free navigation, while Iran seeks arrangements granting it direct involvement in ship traffic management.
Despite closed negotiation avenues, Trump didn’t rule out their future renewal, keeping the diplomatic route theoretically open but under stricter American conditions.
In contrast, Tehran links potential negotiation resumptions to U.S. actions, chiefly ending the blockade, indicating both parties remain far from creating conditions for new talks.
Between the U.S. ‘gradual choking’ approach and Iran’s steadfastness regarding Hormuz, increased economic pressure and maritime tension seem on the horizon, with the negotiation door ajar but lacking signs of imminent breakthroughs.