Trump's 'Semi-Negotiating' Stance
President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the U.S. is only "semi-negotiating" with Iran, signaling a willingness to let economic pressure mount on Tehran. In an interview with Axios, Trump said, "We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money." He described Iran as being in "very bad shape" and compared the situation to a chess game, saying, "It will work out. It always works out."[S1]
Vice President JD Vance said Washington is using "a whole range of diplomatic, economic and military tools" simultaneously. The strategy appears to combine military pressure, sanctions, and diplomatic messaging to force concessions from Tehran, though it has not yet produced a comprehensive agreement.[S3]
Iran's Conditions for Reopening Hormuz
Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the U.S. "corrects its behavior." Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr listed demands including an end to military threats, lifting the naval blockade, withdrawing U.S. forces, compensating Iran for war damage, lifting sanctions, and releasing frozen assets.[S1]
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks with Oman on new shipping routes through Hormuz are in their "final stages," but stressed this would not automatically reopen the strait. He denied direct negotiations with the U.S., saying there is only an "exchange of messages through intermediaries."[S2][S4]
Houthi Attacks and Regional Tensions
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels attacked the Yemeni port city of Mocha late Sunday night for the second time in 24 hours. The Yemeni government-allied National Resistance Forces said at least seven people were killed and 15 civilians injured in the earlier strike. The Houthis also claimed a drone attack on an Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia's Jazan city.[S1]
The attacks threaten to expand the conflict to another strategic shipping route on the Red Sea. Mocha is a main port under Yemen's internationally recognized government, renovated to handle shipping avoiding the Houthi-held port of Hodeida.[S1]
Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, vowing no military withdrawal until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed. "Israel rejects the 15-point document," he said in a cabinet meeting, adding that the military "will not make any withdrawal until Hamas is truly disarmed."[S1]
