U.S. President Donald Trump declared that a naval blockade of Iran will continue until Tehran agrees to a deal or "total surrender," warning it is Iran's "last chance" to negotiate. Trump claimed on Truth Social that discussions are underway at Iran's request, with the backing of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, and could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz imminently.
Tehran flatly rejected those claims. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei denied any negotiations with Washington, saying Iran is only speaking with Oman about safe passage through the strait, which Tehran blocked after a joint U.S.-Israeli offensive launched in late February. Baghaei added that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is unavailable for talks while on pilgrimage in Iraq.
Trump, who suspended planned strikes days ago, accused Iranian leaders of "incredible duplicity." Both sides had signed a ceasefire memorandum in mid-June, but it has since collapsed.