Trump ramps up pressure on Iran, calling upcoming talks a “last chance” as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz and key issues remain unresolved.
Dubai: US President Donald Trump has significantly intensified pressure on Iran, issuing what he described as a “last chance” for Tehran to agree to a deal, even as both sides prepare to resume negotiations in Pakistan. The sharp escalation in rhetoric comes amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and growing uncertainty over whether diplomacy can prevent a wider conflict.
In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, Trump accused Iran of breaching the ceasefire agreement in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that Iranian forces had opened fire on international vessels. “Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz - A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!” he wrote. He further claimed that ships belonging to France and the United Kingdom were among those targeted during the incident.
The US president paired his accusations with a stark and controversial warning. “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” he declared, adding that if Iran refuses to accept a deal, the United States would respond with overwhelming force. “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it,” Trump said, indicating that despite the aggressive tone, Washington still sees room for a diplomatic resolution.
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Several key issues continue to hinder progress in negotiations between Washington and Tehran, highlighting the deep divisions that remain unresolved:
Trump has further hardened his stance ahead of the upcoming negotiations, calling them Iran’s “last chance” to avoid severe consequences. In an interview, he warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to devastating outcomes. “If Iran does not sign this deal, the whole country is getting blown up,” he said, underscoring the high stakes involved.
The remarks reflect increasing pressure as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to deteriorate. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy has made it clear that the vital waterway will remain closed as long as the US blockade on Iranian ports persists. Officials warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strait could be treated as cooperating with hostile forces.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, has become a focal point of the crisis. The disruption of shipping traffic has already sparked concerns over global energy markets and economic stability. A brief reopening earlier in the week was short-lived, with renewed tensions causing shipping activity to halt once again.
Reports from maritime agencies indicate that Iranian gunboats fired upon a tanker, while another vessel suffered damage after being struck by a projectile. A third ship was reportedly threatened as it attempted to exit the Gulf region. Reacting to these developments, Trump remarked, “That wasn’t nice, was it?”, highlighting his characteristic response style even amid serious geopolitical tensions.
Despite the escalating situation, diplomatic efforts are continuing. Trump confirmed that US negotiators are set to arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening for a fresh round of talks with Iranian representatives. However, details about the composition of the US delegation remain unclear.
US Vice President JD Vance is not expected to attend the talks due to security concerns, according to Trump. The previous round of negotiations, held earlier this month, lasted approximately 21 hours but ended without any agreement, reflecting the complexity of the issues at hand.
Negotiators continue to face significant challenges in bridging the gap between the two sides. Key sticking points include Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, the sequencing of sanctions relief, and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has tied the reopening of the strait to the lifting of the US blockade, while Washington insists that pressure tactics will remain in place until a deal is reached. These conflicting positions have made it difficult to establish common ground.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing ceasefire disputes and Iran’s efforts to rebuild its military capabilities. A senior commander from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard revealed that missile and drone systems are being replenished at an accelerated pace, signaling Tehran’s intent to maintain strategic pressure.
As the ceasefire approaches its expiration on Wednesday, concerns are growing about the potential for renewed hostilities. While Washington continues to express optimism about reaching a deal, and Tehran signals conditional willingness to engage, the reality on the ground suggests a widening gap between diplomatic rhetoric and actual progress.
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, military activity increasing on both sides, and regional tensions involving Israel and allied groups still unresolved, the risk of a broader conflict remains high. The coming days are likely to be crucial in determining whether negotiations can lead to a breakthrough or whether the region will slide further into instability.
Source : Gulf News
Image Source : Rediff
