Trump announces “crushing” economic pressure on Iran as Strait of Hormuz traffic stays low

President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that the United States is not negotiating with Iran and announced a new campaign of "crushing" economic pressure, even as the strategic Strait of Hormuz remained a contested flashpoint with sharply reduced shipping traffic. The announcement came a day after a 60-day diplomatic window for a peace agreement expired without a breakthrough.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, "There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran." He characterized negotiations as a "waste of time" and said he had "no time schedule," arguing Iran should "put up the white flag of surrender." The president later told reporters at the White House that talks might resume "maybe at some point," but emphasized the current situation was "very good."

The diplomatic impasse followed the expiration on August 18 of a 60-day negotiating period outlined in a preliminary memorandum of understanding reached in June. Despite the end of that window, Trump indicated a continued stance of pressure. He unveiled what he called the "MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER AGAINST ANY COUNTRY," warning that governments,...