WANA (Aug 03) – US President Donald Trump has once again accused Iran of “double-dealing,” claiming that Iranian officials want negotiations but deny it in public statements. He also claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is under US control and once again referred to “a deal or complete surrender” as the only options.

 

Trump’s remarks follow a pattern that has emerged in recent months. After threatening military action against Iran’s infrastructure, he has repeatedly claimed that mediators persuaded him to avoid an attack and that negotiations were on the verge of beginning. However, after Tehran rejected those claims, Trump accused Iran of “lying” and engaging in “double standards.”

 

The US president also claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz despite previously urging Iran to keep the strategic waterway open and refrain from taking action against ships that Tehran says violate maritime regulations. In one of his latest statements, Trump said damages caused to vessels involved in such incidents would be paid from Iran’s frozen assets.

 

At the beginning of the conflict, Trump described “unconditional surrender” as Iran’s only option. He later spoke of negotiations and now has returned to the same rhetoric of “a forced deal or surrender.” Analysts view the repeated statements as a continuation of his previous pressure campaign rather than a reflection of any major change in the situation.

 

Hours after claiming that the United States had “full control” over the Strait of Hormuz, Trump made another statement in which he said Washington was in talks with Iran to “reopen the strait.”

 

The shift in Trump’s remarks came shortly after his earlier assertion that the strategic waterway was under US control, further highlighting contradictions in his statements regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. While he has repeatedly called for the strait to remain open, he has also claimed that Washington has the ability to control developments there.

 

Pakistan Rejects Trump’s Claim That Iran Talks Are Starting

Meanwhile, Pakistani officials have rejected Trump’s statement that negotiations with Iran would begin, stressing that no date or location has yet been finalized for direct talks between Tehran and Washington.

 

A senior Pakistani official told Anadolu Agency that “no meeting between American and Iranian negotiators has been scheduled in Islamabad, at least not within the next 24 hours.”

 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei also rejected Trump’s claim on Monday, stating that Iran is currently “not holding any negotiations with the United States.” He noted that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was traveling for Arbaeen ceremonies and that other members of the negotiating team were in Iran.

 

According to reports, Pakistani and Qatari mediators remain in contact with Tehran and Washington to finalize a possible date and venue for future talks if conditions allow. Islamabad and Doha have been mentioned as potential locations for possible negotiations.

 

Pakistani sources also said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is expected to visit Iran within “one or two days,” with discussions on the possible resumption of negotiations and related issues expected to be among the main topics of the visit.

 

Disputes Over Previous Understandings and Future Talks

Earlier, Tehran and Washington reached an understanding after weeks of indirect discussions mediated by several countries. The arrangement was intended to move negotiations toward a lasting solution on several disputed issues, including Iran’s nuclear program. However, the process was halted following subsequent US actions.

 

According to informed sources, if a new round of talks begins, the initial stage is likely to be held indirectly through mediators to reach a “minimum level of understanding” before any direct negotiations are resumed. The sources said the nuclear issue may not be included in the first phase of direct discussions.

 

The sources added that the initial focus of the talks would be on halting hostilities, reducing tensions and returning to conditions before July 9 (18 Tir). They also pointed to a joint proposal presented by Pakistan and Qatar, developed in consultation with regional partners, as a possible framework for future discussions.

 

Under the proposal, issues including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of maritime restrictions on Iranian ports would be addressed. A ceasefire in southern Lebanon has also been described as another possible item on the agenda of future talks.