Tehran (TDI): Iran’s senior political and military figures have sharply criticized the United States, as tensions escalate over naval restrictions, negotiations, and security in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing efforts to reach a potential agreement.
Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, accused US President Donald Trump of “betraying diplomacy for the third time.” In a post on social media, he said Washington’s continued naval blockade and excessive demands show that the US is not genuinely committed to negotiations.
His comments come at a time when diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington remain fragile, with both sides publicly signaling progress while simultaneously accusing each other of bad faith in the talks.
In parallel developments, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States is prepared to resume military strikes if negotiations with Iran fail to produce a deal. Speaking in Singapore, he said US forces remain fully capable of restarting operations and emphasized that military readiness has not diminished despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Hegseth also insisted that the United States remains focused on both the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region, saying it is expanding its defense production capacity to ensure sustained global military readiness.
Read More: Trump Lifts Iran Blockade, Weighs Final Peace Agreement
Meanwhile, the US Navy issued a heightened maritime warning for the Strait of Hormuz, describing the security situation as critical and urging commercial vessels to avoid key transit routes. The advisory cited concerns over potential mine-related threats and advised ships to coordinate closely with naval authorities when navigating the area.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping lanes, has become a central flashpoint in the broader Iran-US confrontation, with both sides accusing each other of actions that endanger international shipping.
The White House has reiterated that any potential agreement with Iran must meet strict conditions set by President Donald Trump, including preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ensuring unrestricted maritime access through key waterways.
Read More: Iran Says Progress Made with US, But Deal Not Imminent
US officials said recent high-level discussions in Washington lasted several hours and reaffirmed the administration’s position that any final deal must align with US national security interests.
Amid these developments, tensions remain high as diplomacy and military deterrence continue to proceed in parallel, with neither side signaling a complete breakthrough or breakdown in negotiations.
