U.S. president denies any ongoing or planned negotiations with Tehran, contradicting earlier statements, and asserts all mines removed from strategic waterway despite expert skepticism
In a sharp reversal from his previous statements, U.S. President Donald Trump announced today that no communications are taking place between Washington and Tehran.
"There are currently no talks or messages occurring or planned with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump stated, contradicting his earlier claims that discussions were "going excellently."
Trump emphasized that American sanctions on Iran remain fully in effect, following Iranian demands to lift the embargo as a precondition for negotiations.
"The embargo continues in full force, Hormuz is open and operational," Trump wrote. The president went on to claim that "all the mines that were in Hormuz have been bombed or removed" --- an assertion that conflicts with expert assessments suggesting it would take many months to clear all mines from the Strait of Hormuz.
If mines remain in the strategic waterway as experts believe, Trump's declaration that the strait is safe for passage could expose his administration to unprecedented liability claims. Shipping companies relying on the president's social media post to route vessels through the area might seek damages if their ships are damaged as a result.
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