Trump says in interview Washington is 'semi-negotiating' with Iran

US President Donald Trump says Washington is only "semi-negotiating" with Iran, noting he is prepared to allow economic pressure on Tehran to mount, as opposed to ordering a new military offensive. This, as negotiations between the two countries remain locked in stalemate.

According to Axios, US President Donald Trump says Washington is only "semi-negotiating" with Iran, noting he is prepared to allow economic pressure on Tehran to mount, as opposed to ordering a new military offensive.

In a phone call, Trump tells the outlet the White House is "low keying it" adding Iran "is in very bad shape economically."

Axios noted an agreement governing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was negotiated among Iran, Oman and the US "has been pending for a few days now."

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi says the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the US "would not be possible unless the latter ends its violation of the Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between the two countries."

Araghchi made the statement while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Tehran, stressing no negotiations are currently underway between the two sides.

According to US officials who spoke to the Wall Street Journal, Trump has been preparing to claim victory in the conflict if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, and is even privately mulling over the idea of walking away without a nuclear deal.

Meanwhile, US Central Command says more than 20 warships had been deployed to the Middle East to support military missions including strict enforcement of the US blockade against Iran.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM says that as of Sunday, it had redirected 55 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two others to ensure compliance with the blockade.