Trump meets his obstinate match in Iran’s hardball regime
US president reduced to bemoaning Tehran’s ‘unbelievable duplicity’ as he struggles to find solid negotiating ground
TL;DR
- Iran has denied claims by President Trump that new peace negotiations with the US were beginning.
- An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson stated that negotiations were taking place with Oman regarding passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran intends to ensure the Strait of Hormuz cannot be misused by those who have committed aggression against Iran, potentially keeping it a 'political football'.
- Iran remains capable of closing the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil supply.
- The US has the capability to strike Iran but lacks meaningful targets to force a policy change.
- US midterm elections are approaching, with low American support for the war in Iran.
- Iran's strategic unpredictability has strengthened its negotiating position.
- Iran is aiming to 'shake things up' to get Trump's attention and achieve a different outcome.