In the latest post on Truth Social on Sunday, US President Donald Trump accused Tehran of breaching understandings tied to a ceasefire. “Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!” he said, adding that “many of them were aimed at a French Ship, and a Freighter from the United Kingdom.” He punctuated the claim with a rhetorical jab: “That wasn’t nice, was it?
Trump also pointed to upcoming diplomatic engagement, noting, “My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations.” The reference highlights ongoing mediation attempts involving Pakistan, though signs of a resolution remain elusive.
The US president further addressed Iran’s move regarding the waterway, stating, “Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait, which is strange, because our BLOCKADE has already closed it.” He framed the closure as self-defeating for Tehran, claiming, “They’re helping us without knowing, and they are the ones that lose with the closed passage, $500 Million Dollars a day! The United States loses nothing.”
Trump continued by describing shifting global shipping patterns: “In fact, many Ships are headed, right now, to the U.S., Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, to load up, compliments of the IRGC, always wanting to be ‘the tough guy!’” He paired this with a warning and an offer, saying, “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran.” The statement escalated further with, “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” and a closing line: “IT’S TIME FOR THE IRAN KILLING MACHINE TO END!”
While Washington projects confidence, officials in Tehran present a more cautious outlook. According to reporting by AFP, Iran’s leadership signalled that a comprehensive agreement remains distant despite some movement. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said there had been “progress” but acknowledged that “there are many gaps and some fundamental points remain,” concluding, “We are still far from the final discussion.”
The standoff has had immediate consequences for maritime traffic. Iran has tied any reopening of the Strait to the lifting of US restrictions on its ports, making clear that access will remain constrained otherwise. “If America does not lift the blockade, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will definitely be limited,” Ghalibaf stated.
During a brief pause in hostilities, Tehran had earlier indicated the passage would reopen, triggering optimism in energy markets. However, that shift proved temporary, and by Sunday the channel was effectively at a standstill, with vessel tracking data showing minimal movement.
Security concerns have intensified following several incidents at sea. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that vessels attempting to pass without authorisation “will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted.” Reports described gunfire directed at a tanker, threats issued toward a departing cruise ship, and another vessel struck by what was described as an “unknown projectile,” causing container damage.
The tensions have also drawn in other countries. India formally protested after two of its flagged ships were caught in a “shooting incident,” summoning Iran’s ambassador over the matter. These developments underscore the broader international stakes tied to the waterway, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies typically flows.
Diplomatic channels remain active but uncertain. Egypt, working alongside Pakistan, expressed cautious hope that an agreement could be reached “in the coming days,” though this optimism contrasts with Tehran’s more reserved stance.
A central sticking point in negotiations involves Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. Trump claimed, “We’re going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators,” referring to roughly 440 kilograms of near-weapons-grade material. Iranian officials, however, have rejected such assertions. The foreign ministry insisted the stockpile “was ‘not going to be transferred anywhere’” and said that handing it over “to the US has never been raised in negotiations.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian questioned Washington’s demands, asking, “How come the US president declares that Iran should not use its nuclear rights but does not say why?” He added, “How in the world is he trying to deprive a nation of its legal rights?”
The broader conflict traces back to late February, when a large-scale wave of attacks by the United States and Israel targeted Iran, despite ongoing negotiations at the time. The confrontation quickly expanded, drawing in regional actors and escalating across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, where Hezbollah became involved.
With a two-week ceasefire nearing its expiration, the situation remains precarious. Both sides continue to exchange warnings while signalling openness to talks, leaving the fate of the Strait of Hormuz -- and the wider region -- hanging in the balance.
Source: Moneycontrol