US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that no talks were taking place with Iran and insisted the Strait of Hormuz was open, contradicting Iran's assertion that the critical waterway remained shut to shipping.
Trump’s claim on Truth Social abruptly contradicted his prior insistence that Washington and Tehran are in active negotiations, even as Iran has repeatedly stated that no such talks are occurring.
"No talks or conversations are going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
"The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated," he added.
Iran has reiterated that Hormuz would remain closed until Washington met the terms of the pair’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) that was signed in June to end the hostilities that began in March.
These conditions include the US ending its blockade of Iranian ports, lifting oil sanctions, releasing Tehran's frozen assets, and ending threats and military operations on all fronts, Qalibaf told parliament.
A memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 had set a 60-day time frame for a broader deal on Iran's nuclear programme and US sanctions. That period elapsed on Monday, and Trump said he had no plans to extend it.
Preliminary shipping data on Tuesday showed ship crossings via the Strait of Hormuz were still in single digits on Monday. – August 19, 2026
