Trump says ‘no talks’ with Iran; claims Hormuz ‘new US territory’

US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that no talks with Iran are underway or scheduled, contradicting recent reports. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted, "The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect." This statement follows reports from Fox News suggesting the existence of a backchannel between Washington and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Jared Kushner, a senior aide to the president, had previously mentioned "robust" conversations between the two sides on Monday, while acknowledging that Tehran was not yet prepared for a deal satisfactory to Washington. Trump also posted a map on Truth Social designating the Strait of Hormuz as "NEW U.S. Territory" and claimed that all water mines in the area had been removed. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit point, has been effectively closed by Iran in retaliation for the war initiated by the US and Israel in late February. Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated in a broadcast address that the strait would remain closed until Washington fulfills a list of demands, including ending the blockade of Iranian ports and lifting oil sanctions.