Trump Claims ‘Very Positive’ Iran Talks While Doubling Down on Military Escort in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that “very positive discussions” were underway with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing war, but at the same time declared that US forces would begin escorting commercial ships out of the strategically critical and heavily contested Strait of Hormuz starting Monday.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei revealed that Tehran had submitted a 14-point peace plan focused on ending the war, and that Washington had responded via Pakistani mediators. Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, claimed he was “fully aware” of these talks and suggested they could lead to a positive outcome.

But the reality on the ground tells a different story. The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, including the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, prompting retaliatory strikes on US and Israeli targets. A ceasefire took effect on April 8, but peace talks in Islamabad have so far reached a deadlock.

Meanwhile, Iran has maintained a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil, gas, and fertilizer shipments, while the US has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports. Over 900 commercial vessels remain trapped in the Gulf, many reportedly running low on supplies.

Trump framed the forthcoming US naval escort operation—dubbed “Project Freedom”—as a “humanitarian gesture” to help ships navigate through “restricted waterways.” Yet this mission will deploy guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members, placing American forces dangerously close to Iranian military positions.

US Central Command’s statement emphasized that the operation is “essential to regional security and the global economy” while simultaneously maintaining the naval blockade. This dual posture underscores the administration’s aggressive strategy that mixes talk of diplomacy with military brinkmanship.

The Trump administration’s contradictory approach risks prolonging the conflict and escalating tensions in one of the world’s most volatile regions. Promises of peace ring hollow as the US continues to wield its military might to enforce a blockade, undermining any genuine opportunity for resolution.

As the world watches, the only certainty is that ordinary sailors and commercial interests remain caught in the crossfire of a conflict fueled by power plays and strategic posturing. Trump’s “very positive” talk is little comfort amid the ongoing reality of war and blockade in the Gulf.