President Donald Trump has declared that Iran’s recently installed leadership is requesting a truce whilst simultaneously threatening to blast the Islamic Republic “into oblivion” unless the Strait of Hormuz reopens to commercial shipping.
The contradictory messaging posted to Truth Social on Wednesday morning prompted immediate denial from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, which branded the American president’s assertions “nonsense” and insisted the strategic waterway remains “firmly and dominantly under the control of the naval forces.”
Mr Trump characterised Iran’s “new regime president” as “much less radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors” without identifying with whom Washington is negotiating—a claim Iranian officials flatly reject whilst insisting they will not be moved by his “absurd displays.”
The President warned any ceasefire depends entirely on the strait being “open, free, and clear,” threatening: “Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages.”
Financial markets rallied despite the mixed signals, with the Dow climbing 363 points (0.8 per cent), the S&P 500 rising 0.6 per cent and the Nasdaq spiking 0.7 per cent. Brent crude fell 2 per cent to $102 per barrel after touching $118 on Tuesday—its highest since hostilities commenced on 28 February.
The optimism followed Tuesday’s indication Mr Trump might accept a settlement even with Hormuz remaining closed, though Wednesday’s post contradicted that position entirely.
Behind the rhetorical confusion, the Pentagon is assembling forces for potential ground operations. The USS Tripoli arrived Friday carrying approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines distributed across multiple warships, soon to be reinforced by the San Diego-based USS Boxer amphibious assault ship and two additional vessels comprising the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Thousands of 82nd Airborne paratroopers are deploying to the region accompanied by hundreds of Special Forces personnel, with the United Arab Emirates reportedly prepared to contribute troops for seizing Hormuz control.
Mr Trump has extended a temporary halt on strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure to ten days after initially ordering a five-day ceasefire, claiming Tehran requested the extension. However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a rare public appearance at a Tehran rally last night, with Araghchi declaring: “This popular cohesion is our greatest defense against any external threat.”
European allies remain adamant they will not be drawn into combat operations. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told Britons this is “not our war” whilst outlining diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, characterising NATO as the world’s “most effective military alliance.”
Sir Keir confirmed Britain has mobilised 35 nations to coordinate maritime security for the strait—through which one-fifth of global oil supplies transit—with coalition talks convening later this week.
Mr Trump announced plans to express his “disgust” with NATO during a 9pm ET address on the Iran war, whilst simultaneously considering withdrawal from the alliance.
American petrol prices stand at $4.10 per gallon nationally, up from $2.90 before the conflict began.
