U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the current negotiations with Iran, attributing the failure to reach an agreement to disunity within Tehran's leadership.
Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday: "They want a deal, but I'm not happy with it. We just communicated with Iran. Let’s see what happens. But I have to say, I am not pleased."
Trump did not disclose the identity of the Iranian officials involved in the latest talks or when they took place. He added, "Some progress has been made, but I am not sure if an agreement will ultimately be reached."
Iran has submitted a new proposal to the United States, while Trump vowed to maintain the maritime blockade. It is unclear whether Trump’s remarks referred to this proposal.
Iran's official news agency IRNA reported on Friday that Tehran conveyed its latest position to Washington through Pakistan.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, media reported that in its new proposal, Iran offered to discuss conditions for reopening the strait, but still demanded that the U.S. commit to halting attacks and lifting the maritime blockade.
When asked about the administration’s options, Trump said: "Are we going to hit them hard and solve this once and for all, or are we going to try to make a deal? From a humanitarian perspective, I am more inclined not to order further strikes."
Trump praised the effectiveness of the U.S. blockade of the strait as "incredible" and stated he was not yet prepared to end the war.
"The strait is completely closed, functioning perfectly, 100% blockaded," he said.
The Strait of Hormuz, which before the outbreak of war carried about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas trade, is at the heart of the current standoff. Both Iran and the U.S. have indicated they would only consider relaxing restrictions on shipping if the other side makes concessions.
IRNA did not specify the exact wording in Iran’s latest proposal regarding key issues such as the Strait of Hormuz or nuclear activities.
Trump previously stated that the blockade of Iranian ports is depriving the country of much-needed oil revenue, and this pressure will force Tehran back to the negotiating table.
The Speaker of Iran’s Parliament said on social platform X: "Good luck imposing a blockade on a country with such vast territory." He and other Iranian officials stated that the blockade will further drive up oil prices, and negotiations will only resume and the strait reopen if the U.S. lifts the blockade.
On April 24, the U.S. Navy destroyer Rafael Peralta conducted a blockade operation near an Iranian vessel.
Axios, citing two anonymous U.S. officials, reported that Trump received a briefing at the White House on Thursday from the commander of U.S. Central Command, responsible for U.S. forces in the Middle East, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kain. Axios previously reported that Central Command had prepared a short-term strike plan to break the negotiation deadlock.
The U.S. is lobbying allies to form a joint naval force to secure the strait. New Zealand stated it had received the proposal but would only support the U.S.-led coalition if a sustainable ceasefire is achieved. The plan, named the 'Maritime Freedom Initiative,' was detailed in a State Department cable sent to U.S. embassies abroad on Tuesday, urging diplomats to push governments to participate.
On Thursday, Iran's new Supreme Leader expressed skepticism about the prospects of reaching an agreement. In a rare statement, he vowed not to abandon the country's nuclear or missile technology and hinted that Tehran would continue to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz.
On April 28, vehicles passed by a billboard in Tehran displaying the message 'The Strait of Hormuz remains closed.'
Editor/Rocky