Trump’s Ultimatum: Open Hormuz, No Nuclear Weapons for Iran

During a Monday interview, Donald Trump announced that the United States expects the Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened by Tuesday, marking what he called the first phase of a larger diplomatic effort with Iran. He warned that the second phase will deal directly with Iran’s nuclear programme, stressing that the American position remains uncompromising: Iran must never develop a nuclear arsenal. Trump framed the ongoing talks as the last window for Tehran to sign an acceptable agreement, labeling the Iranian leadership as “two‑faced” for publicly denying negotiations while privately demanding them. He also posted a lengthy commentary on Truth Social, pointing out that the U.S. Navy already controls the strait and that any Iranian attempt to reach the waterway will be blocked unless the United States decides otherwise. In response, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ismail Baghei rejected the claim of any indirect talks, stating that no Iranian official has been invited to discuss matters with the United States and that no negotiations are currently taking place.