President Donald Trump said the U.S. has not reached a deal with Iran during his 12th cabinet meeting since returning to the White House.
The statement signals a precarious moment in diplomatic relations, as the administration balances the threat of military intervention against the goal of securing a more favorable agreement.
Trump said that Tehran is "negotiating on fumes," suggesting the Iranian government is operating under significant pressure. While some reports indicated the administration and Tehran had largely negotiated a settlement, Trump said the U.S. remains unsatisfied with the current offer and seeks a better agreement.
Despite the tension, the president emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to all countries. The waterway is a critical global transit point for oil, and any closure would likely trigger a global economic shock.
Trump also warned that diplomacy is not the only path forward. "I may go back and finish the job if negotiations fail," Trump said.
Financial disputes continue to complicate the talks. Tehran has demanded the release of $24 billion [1] in frozen Iranian assets as part of any potential agreement. The U.S. has not yet conceded to this demand.
The president's rhetoric suggests a strategy of "maximum pressure" intended to force concessions from the Iranian leadership. By maintaining a military option, the administration seeks to leverage Tehran's economic instability to secure more stringent terms on nuclear or regional activities.
“"Iran is negotiating on fumes."”
The administration is employing a dual-track strategy of diplomatic engagement and military deterrence. By publicly dismissing the current offer and highlighting Iran's weakness, the U.S. is attempting to shift the bargaining power in its favor. However, the insistence on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open indicates a desire to avoid a full-scale regional conflict that would disrupt global energy markets.
