Trump: Iran ‘Playing Games’ as U.S. Blockade Holds Firm — White House Demands End to Nuclear Ambitions

WASHINGTON DC — President Donald Trump sharply escalated his rhetoric against Iran on Monday, accusing Tehran's leadership of deception while making clear that the U.S. naval blockade will remain in force until Iran reaches an acceptable agreement with Washington or, in Trump's words, agrees to "total surrender." The comments underscore the administration's determination to maintain maximum pressure following months of military confrontation and fragile diplomatic efforts.

The latest standoff follows a conflict that began on Feb. 28 and has seen repeated cycles of military action, ceasefires, and negotiations. Throughout the crisis, the Trump administration has maintained two non-negotiable objectives: keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global commerce and ensuring Iran permanently abandons its nuclear weapons ambitions.

In a Truth Social post Monday, Trump accused Iran of speaking with "two different voices."

"Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous!" the president wrote. "They ask for a meeting... talks begin... and then they publicly claim nothing is being discussed."

Trump also rejected Iranian claims of controlling the Strait of Hormuz.

"The Strait of Hormuz... is already completely controlled by the United States Navy."

The president reaffirmed that the naval blockade imposed against Iran will remain fully operational until Tehran reaches what he considers an acceptable settlement.

Trump again declared that Iran would never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, arguing that years of confrontation have been driven by Tehran's own actions.

"Whether Iran wants to admit it or not, we are talking about solving a problem they have caused for decades," Trump said, insisting the United States remains committed to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power.

Iran quickly pushed back against Trump's assertions.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated Monday that Tehran is not currently negotiating with the United States, saying discussions are taking place only with Oman regarding shipping arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iranian officials, the Oman discussions focus solely on maritime transit and not broader U.S.-Iran negotiations.

The conflicting public statements highlight the deep mistrust that continues to complicate efforts to end the months-long crisis.

On Sunday, Trump disclosed that he had approved preparations for what he described as one of the largest U.S. military operations in modern history before deciding to delay the attack.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said Gulf allies—including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar—encouraged Washington to give diplomacy another opportunity.

"It would have been disastrous for them," Trump said of Iran. "Saudi Arabia didn't want it either. They thought that a deal is imminent."

The president also claimed Iranian officials privately urged the United States not to proceed with the planned strikes.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically important waterways, carrying roughly one-fifth of globally traded oil under normal conditions.

Although Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year intended to reduce tensions, the agreement unraveled after renewed attacks on commercial shipping. Iran has continued advocating a toll system for vessels using the waterway, while the United States has maintained its naval presence to protect international shipping lanes.

President Trump's latest remarks reinforce an unmistakable message: the administration intends to keep economic and military pressure on Tehran while leaving the door open to diplomacy—but only on Washington's terms. With both governments publicly contradicting one another over negotiations, the prospect of a lasting settlement remains uncertain, even as the U.S. blockade continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most closely watched geopolitical flashpoints.

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