US President Donald Trump on Saturday said Iran attempted to pressure the United States by threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz again, but insisted Washington would not be “blackmailed” as talks between the two sides continue.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, “Iran got a little cute… they wanted to close up the strait again… they can’t blackmail us.”
Talks ongoing, decision soon
Trump said the US is still engaged in negotiations with Iran and indicated a decision on whether both sides will move forward with a deal could come by the end of the day.
His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict, with Trump earlier expressing optimism that an agreement could be reached soon.
Hormuz tensions remain central
The Strait of Hormuz which is a vital route for
nearly 20% of global oil supply has been at the centre of tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Recent developments have seen conflicting signals, with both sides at times declaring the strait open while also imposing restrictions or maintaining military pressure.
Iran has previously warned that continued US actions, including its naval blockade, could impact access to the waterway, raising fears of further disruption to global energy markets.
Blockade and pressure strategy
The United States has maintained a naval blockade targeting Iran, saying it will remain in place until a broader agreement is reached.
Trump has repeatedly stressed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a top priority, even as negotiations progress.
High-stakes negotiations
The latest comments underscore the high-stakes and volatile nature of US-Iran talks, where public rhetoric and behind-the-scenes diplomacy often diverge.
While Trump’s remarks suggest confidence about a potential breakthrough, differences between the two sides particularly on nuclear issues and sanctions continue to pose challenges.
For now, attention is focused on whether the negotiations will translate into a concrete deal or whether tensions over Hormuz and broader regional dynamics will escalate again.
