U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that ongoing talks with Iran over an interim peace deal will 'work out well,' even as military forces from both nations clashed again near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In a late Sunday post on Truth Social, Trump urged critics to stop speculating about his negotiating strategy, stating that constant negative commentary undermines the process.
Trump Responds to Speculation
Trump wrote, 'It is MUCH tougher for me to properly do my job and negotiate, when political hacks keep negatively chirping, that I should move faster, or move slower, or go to war, or not go to war, or whatever. Just sit back and relax, it will all work out well in the end.' The president's remarks come amid reports that a potential deal would extend the current ceasefire by approximately two months, with Iran reopening the strait and the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran Accuses U.S. of Mixed Signals
Iranian officials, however, have accused Washington of sending conflicting signals and dragging out negotiations. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated on Monday that Tehran continues to engage with the U.S. but with 'distrust.' Parliament Speaker and lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf took to social media to highlight what he called 'clear evidence of U.S. noncompliance with the ceasefire,' pointing to Israel's escalation in Lebanon and the ongoing naval blockade. He added, 'Every choice has a price, and the bill comes due. It will all fall into place.'
Pressure on Trump
Trump faces mounting pressure to end a conflict that has driven energy prices higher and is widely unpopular among Americans. However, he must balance this against potential criticism if Washington agrees to unfreeze billions of dollars in Iranian funds, as Tehran demands. Iran also seeks control over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for oil and liquefied natural gas, insisting that shipping regulations imposed during the war will remain in place.
Military Clashes Continue
Tensions remain high despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Over the weekend, the U.S. military struck Iranian radar and command-and-control sites, describing the action as a 'measured' response to 'aggressive Iranian actions,' including the shootdown of a U.S. drone over international waters. In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted an air base, though the location was not disclosed. On Monday morning, Kuwait reported that its air defenses intercepted three ballistic missiles aimed at the Ali Al-Salem airbase.
Talks Continue Amid Skirmishes
These clashes are the latest in a series of skirmishes over the past week, but they have not derailed the negotiations. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, which has close ties to the IRGC, reported on Sunday that both sides continue to propose amendments to a draft deal, though there is no guarantee of a final agreement. Oil prices rose on Monday, with Brent crude climbing 3.4% to US$94.17 a barrel, following a more than 11% decline last week as traders grew optimistic about a potential deal.
