Washington, DC, April 15 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has reached out expressing willingness to negotiate, even as the United States intensifies military pressure through a sweeping naval blockade of Iranian ports enforced by more than 10,000 troops.
Speaking to reporters at the White House shortly after the blockade came into effect, Trump said his administration had received communication “from the other side,” indicating Tehran’s eagerness to strike a deal. “They’d like to make a deal very badly,” he remarked.
The President’s comments came within hours of the United States launching a large-scale maritime operation following the expiry of a deadline set for Iran. The move followed the collapse of high-level diplomatic talks held in Pakistan over the weekend, which failed to resolve key disagreements—primarily over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Reiterating Washington’s red line, Trump stated, “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” adding that while progress had been made during negotiations, Tehran had refused to commit to that central demand. “We agreed to a lot of things, but they didn’t agree to that. I think they will agree to it. I’m almost sure of it,” he said.
Issuing a stark warning, Trump added, “If they don’t agree, there’s no deal. There will never be a deal.”
The United States has also prioritised the recovery of enriched uranium currently held by Iran. “We’re going to get the dust back. Either we’ll get it back from them or we’ll take it,” the President said, signaling a hardline stance.
The escalating tensions come amid a fragile two-week ceasefire announced last week. However, US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Iran had refused to commit to abandoning its nuclear weapons ambitions, raising doubts about the sustainability of the truce.
Trump warned that failure to reach an agreement before the ceasefire expires would have severe consequences. While declining to elaborate on earlier remarks suggesting catastrophic retaliation, he said, “It won’t be pleasant for them.”
Massive Military Enforcement Underway
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), more than 10,000 US Sailors, Marines, and Airmen—supported by over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft—are actively enforcing the blockade.
In its first 24 hours, the operation effectively sealed Iranian ports, with no ships permitted to pass. Six merchant vessels were instructed to turn back and re-enter Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM stated that the blockade is being applied “impartially” to vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. At the same time, US forces are maintaining freedom of navigation for ships transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz en route to non-Iranian ports.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations also confirmed that maritime access restrictions are now in force, affecting Iranian coastal areas and key waterways, including the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.
Global Concerns and Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
The Strait of Hormuz—through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply once flowed—has emerged as a central flashpoint in the crisis, triggering global concerns over energy security and rising oil prices.
In response, Emmanuel Macron announced that France and the United Kingdom will host a joint conference in Paris later this week. The meeting is expected to bring together representatives from over 40 countries to coordinate a “multilateral and defensive mission” aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the region.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with President Trump, during which both leaders emphasised the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.
Unilateral Action, Possible International Support
Despite the unilateral nature of the blockade, Trump indicated that several countries have offered assistance, though he did not name them. “We don’t need other countries, frankly. But they’ve offered their services,” he said, adding that further details on international involvement may be revealed soon.
As diplomatic efforts continue alongside mounting military pressure, the situation remains volatile, with the coming days seen as critical in determining whether negotiations can avert further escalation in the region.
676 words, 4 minutes read time.
About The Author
