US-Iran Tensions Escalate Following Expiration of Diplomatic Deadline

Following the expiration of a 60-day deadline for an agreement between Washington and Tehran, US President Donald Trump affirmed on Tuesday that the naval blockade of Iran remains in full effect. Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that no talks or discussions with the Islamic Republic are taking place or planned. He added that the Strait of Hormuz is open and active, and that all water mines have been removed or detonated.

These remarks followed the publication of a map by Trump that included the Strait of Hormuz, alongside parts of Iran, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman, labeled as "America's new territory." The publication sparked outrage in Tehran.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, responded on the social media platform X, labeling Trump's perception an "illusion" that would soon be corrected. "We will correct the illusions of this delusional man," Gharibabadi stated.

The collapse of diplomatic negotiations has led to the reinstatement of sanctions. Trump, addressing the expiration of the memorandum of understanding, reiterated that the primary goal of his administration remains ensuring that Iran cannot, in any way, possess nuclear weapons.