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President Donald Trump has dismissed Iran's latest offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while postponing nuclear discussions, stating that Iran informed the U.S. it is in a state of collapse and seeks immediate reopening of the strait. Aides expressed concerns over a potential drawn-out conflict with no resolution, as oil prices reached their highest levels since the ceasefire began.
NBC NewsPresident Donald Trump stated that Iran has informed the U.S. it is in a state of collapse and is requesting the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Multiple sources reported Trump's announcement on his Truth Social platform, where he noted Iran is working to resolve its leadership situation.
The statement came amid ongoing negotiations during a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. The White House press secretary confirmed that Trump met with his national security team on Monday to review Iran's proposal, which includes reopening the strait but delaying talks on its nuclear program.
The press secretary said the proposal was discussed but not under consideration, emphasizing Trump's red line that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons.
Negotiations and U.S.
One source close to Trump described a prolonged standoff as politically and economically damaging, with U.S. forces remaining in the region and the strait closed under a U.S. blockade. The war began on February 28 with Operation Epic Fury, initially projected to last four to five weeks by Trump and the Defense Secretary.
The Secretary of State described Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz as an economic nuclear weapon, noting it holds 20% of the world's energy hostage. Trump reportedly wavers between launching fresh strikes or relying on financial sanctions to pressure Iran into ending its nuclear program.
An adviser quoted Trump as saying Iran's leaders understand bombs, while describing him as frustrated but realistic.
“What I will reiterate is that the president’s red lines with respect to Iran have been made very, very clear, not just to the American public, but also to them as well.”
prices have risen to their highest levels since the ceasefire started, driven by the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Ships remain in a standoff, with Iran restricting movement and the U.S. enforcing port blockades. Critics have warned of no quick resolution, given the largest U.S. military presence in the region since the 2003 Iraq invasion.
The conflict has entered its eighth week, with bombs halted for now but negotiations stalled over nuclear issues. The United Arab Emirates says it will permanently leave OPEC on May 1.
promised at the war's outset that the U.S. would avoid a lengthy Middle East conflict, contrasting it with the nearly nine-year Iraq war. With midterm elections six months away, the unpopular war raises concerns among U.S. officials. Pakistan has emerged as a key player in peace talks, with Trump announcing an extension of the ceasefire.
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Responsible StatecraftMediators announced a High Level Committee and technical talks schedule after Sunday sessions in Switzerland. The agreement also created a deconfliction line tied to Lebanon fighting.
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