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Trump Criticizes Iran's Negotiation Stance, Asserts US Control of Strait of Hormuz

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US President Donald Trump on Monday criticized Iran's handling of nuclear negotiations, saying Tehran sought talks while publicly denying them, and asserted US control over the Strait of Hormuz, according to posts on Truth Social.

Trump criticized Iran's leadership for what he described as conflicting signals on negotiations, saying Tehran publicly claims it is only dealing with Oman.

He also dismissed Iran's claims that it controls the Strait of Hormuz, saying the US Navy already controls the waterway through what he called the "United States wall of steel," he said.

Trump said the US controls what enters Iran. "Nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a deal, or total surrender, is accomplished."

The US president reiterated his administration's position on Iran's nuclear program, writing, "It is very simple, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon!" he said.

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ground forces commander General Mohammad Karami reportedly said that the IRGC is ready to face any threat.

"With intelligence superiority, operational readiness, ... technology and modern sciences, we are prepared to deliver a decisive response to any threat posed by foreign adversaries and terrorist groups," according to an X post by Iran's PressTV, citing Karami.

In a separate Truth Social post, Trump credited his administration for the US oil industry's recovery while discussing Chevron (CVX) chairman and chief executive Mike Wirth's recent Fox News interview, saying the administration's policies helped Chevron and other oil companies return to Venezuela.

Trump cited Chevron's return to Venezuela as an example, saying the company is back "far bigger and stronger than ever before, expecting to make a fortune!" and added that other oil companies are benefiting as well.

Trump also urged energy producers to reduce prices for consumers, writing, "... get your consumer (retail!) oil prices down, now!" he said.

Price: $194.77, Change: $-2.06, Percent Change: -1.05%

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