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Trump Calls Strait of Hormuz 'New US Territory', Draws Iran's Ire

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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday shared an image of the Strait of Hormuz on his Truth Social account, captioning it "New US Territory", a post that drew a sharp rebuke from Iran.

Responding to Trump's post, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said Trump's misconception about the Hormuz strait would soon be corrected.

"Just as Trump correctly wrote the name of the eternal Persian Gulf, soon his delusion regarding the Strait of Hormuz will either be corrected or we will correct the delusions of this deluded man," Gharibabadi said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday said that Iran had won both the conflict and the diplomatic battle and said those initially demanding Tehran's surrender were now calling for negotiations at Iran's terms, multiple media outlets reported.

"Those who were seeking unconditional surrender, shortly after the war began, begged for negotiations," Araghchi said during an event.

Araghchi said the US memorandum of understanding largely favored Iran and accused Israel of trying to block its implementation.

On Tuesday, Trump later published a post which said: "There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated."

The UK Maritime Trade Operations said that a vessel had been attacked on Tuesday while leaving the Strait of Hormuz, with one crew member injured and damage caused to the ship's engine room.

Earlier on Monday, Trump said that Iran wants a deal but not on the terms he considers necessary, and claimed the US now has total control of the strategic waterway.

In an interview with Fox News on the same day, Trump reportedly said the US was engaged in backchannel talks for peace with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, without involving mediators and Iranian political officials. He further added that Iran should wave the white flag.

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