▲ U.S. President Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on the 18th local time that there are "no ongoing discussions or talks with Iran, and none are planned."
Writing on his social media platform Truth Social that day, President Trump added that the maritime blockade measures against Iran around the Strait of Hormuz remain "fully in place and effective."
His remarks are interpreted as an emphasis that the U.S. will continue its military and economic pressure on Iran, even in the absence of talks for a truce or end to the war, as no clear solution to the conflict is in sight.
The Truth Social post came two days after the August 16 deadline for negotiations under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war, which was signed by the U.S. and Iran on June 18, expired.
On the previous day, the first day following the expiration of the MOU, he dismissed the possibility of extending the MOU, stating, "Iran must wave the white flag of surrender. I have set no timetable. I am not in a hurry," signaling that he would maintain the current standoff with Iran.
President Trump reiterated his previous stance that the Strait of Hormuz is "open and operating."
He also claimed that "all mines have been removed or detonated," asserting that the mines planted by Iran along the main shipping routes for vessels passing through the Strait to control it have all been cleared.
Additionally, President Trump posted a map image on Truth Social depicting the Strait of Hormuz as new U.S. territory.
Previously, on the 14th, President Trump highlighted his claim of control over the strait by saying, "We will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory," and the day before, he stated that he likes the idea of declaring the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory.
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