US President Donald Trump on Friday said any agreement with Iran would take effect only after it is fully finalized, even as he claimed major developments on regional security, including the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and a ceasefire in Lebanon.Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Trump said, “This will be a great and brilliant day for the world because Iran has just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business and full passage.” However, he made clear that US pressure would continue. “But the naval blockade…will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete and fully signed.”Trump also reiterated his claim that the US would recover Iran’s enriched uranium. “The USA will get all nuclear dust…That white powdery substance created by our B-2 bombers…No money will exchange hands in any way or form,” he said.“Iran, with the help of the USA, has removed or is removing all of the sea mines…They will never have a nuclear weapon,” he added.He also signaled continued diplomacy with Tehran, saying, “We’ve had some very good discussions … Talks are going on, and we’ll go on over the weekend. A lot of good things are happening, and that includes Lebanon, too.”
Iran pushes back on US claims
Iranian officials, however, rejected Trump’s assertions and maintained that control over the Strait of Hormuz rests with Tehran.Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized Trump’s remarks with a post on“2- They did not win the war with these lies, and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either. 3- With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” he said.“4- Passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be conducted based on the ‘designated route’ and with ‘Iranian authorization.’ 5- Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field, not by social media,” he added.Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei also said that, “shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be allowed along a pre-determined route by Iran.” He warned, “If the maritime blockade of Iran’s ports continues, Iran will take reciprocal measures,” adding that “Iran is the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and will show leniency where necessary.” Baqaei also criticized US saying, “We should not be influenced by the other side’s tweets.” “The statements by American officials are filled with contradictions and lies, and this is nothing new. The opening or closing of the Strait of Hormuz does not happen on social media, but on the ground,” he added.These remarks come after earlier foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had said that passage for commercial vessels would remain open during the ceasefire period.“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open… on the coordinated route,” he said.The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass has been at the center of tensions since it was disrupted following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February.
