• Iran denies seeking negotiations with the US over the past two weeks, rejecting President Trump's claim that Tehran wants talks.
  • A senior Iranian official insists control of the Strait of Hormuz is non-negotiable and central to the country's war objectives.
  • The statements come hours before Iran launched fresh missile attacks on US bases in Jordan, escalating tensions.

Denials and Red Lines

Iran pushed back on Thursday against assertions by President Donald Trump that Tehran has been seeking negotiations with Washington. “We have not sought talks with the US over the past two weeks,” a senior Iranian official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official insisted that Iran will not give up control of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “central to the country's war objectives.”

The comments directly contradict Trump’s claim earlier this week that Iran “wants to talk” and underscore the deep mistrust between the two nations. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which about 20% of global oil passes, has long been a flashpoint. Tehran’s firm stance suggests any diplomatic off-ramp remains distant.

Military Moves

The political pushback came just hours before Iran launched missile strikes on US bases in Jordan, according to US officials. The attack did not cause casualties but marks a significant escalation in the region. “This is a dangerous game of brinkmanship,” said a former US diplomat familiar with the matter. “Both sides are signaling strength, but the risk of miscalculation is higher than ever.”

Iran’s military actions appear timed to reinforce its negotiating posture, analysts say. The country has faced severe economic pressure from sanctions, but its leadership sees the Strait as a key lever. “Without control of Hormuz, Iran loses its main strategic card,” said a Tehran-based political analyst.

Market Jitters

The unfolding crisis rattled oil markets, with Brent crude rising 2% on Thursday. Shipping insurance costs for vessels transiting the Gulf have also spiked. Energy traders are bracing for further volatility if tensions continue to simmer, as they have for decades. Iran’s history of using the strait as a bargaining chip suggests any de-escalation will require significant concessions from Washington.

As of press time, the White House had not responded to a request for comment on Iran’s latest statements. Defense officials said they are monitoring the situation closely, but declined to discuss specific retaliatory options. The coming days will test whether either side blinks first or if the standoff spills further into open conflict.