The stalemate persists! US imposes new sanctions on Iran and seizes $1 billion in assets! Iran reaffirms control over Hormuz, with Israeli main force crossing Litani River
Trump reportedly delays final decision on Iran related agreement
On May 29th local time, US President Trump reiterated the US position on the Iran negotiations in a social media post and said, "I am currently heading to the war room for a meeting to make a final decision. Trump said Iran must agree to never possess nuclear weapons. The Strait of Hormuz must be immediately opened in both directions, free of tolls, allowing unrestricted shipping and transportation, and all mines must be cleared. He also said that the US Navy's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is about to be lifted, and ships trapped in the strait can start "returning home".
Trump said that Iran's "deeply buried" enriched uranium will be dug up and destroyed. The United States will closely coordinate and cooperate with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency to jointly complete this destruction work. He also said that the United States and Iran will not engage in any financial transactions until further notice, and stated that the two sides have reached an agreement on "other matters far less important than the above-mentioned (issues)".
However, Trump's "final decision" did not materialize as scheduled. Later that day, a senior government official who declined to be named said that Trump's meeting with his aides in the White House Situation Room lasted about two hours, but no "final decision" was made on the agreement with Iran.
The US military claims to conduct military operations near the Strait of Hormuz
At the same time, the US military continues to exert pressure in the direction of the Strait of Hormuz. On May 29th, the US Central Command warned that military operations would be conducted near the Strait of Hormuz and that ships involved in or supporting the laying of mines would be attacked in self-defense.
The US Central Command has issued a notice through the Joint Maritime Information Center stating that Iran is still attempting to obstruct mine clearance operations and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and any vessel found to be involved in mine laying activities could become a target for US military strikes.
At the same time, the US military stated that it is still implementing maritime blockade measures against Iran. As of May 29th, 115 commercial vessels have been forced to change course
The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on Iran, confiscating $1 billion of its cryptocurrency assets
The US Treasury Department announced on the 29th that as part of the "Economic Fury Operation," individuals and entities from multiple countries related to Iran have been added to a new sanctions list to continue economic pressure on Iran.
On the 28th, US Treasury Secretary Bessent said on social media that as part of the pressure campaign on Iran's economy, the US will cut off the country's airlines' access to landing sites, refueling, and ticket sales. The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department announced on the 27th that Iran's newly established "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" will be included in the sanctions list to further pressure Iran.
Besent also stated that the United States has confiscated $1 billion worth of Iranian cryptocurrency assets. Even if the United States lifts its financial and economic blockade on Iran, the process will be very slow.
Insiders: Iran has not yet made a final decision on the Iran US agreement
However, Iran immediately refuted Trump's statement. On the 29th, Iranian sources reported that informed sources indicated that the agreement text with the United States is in the final stage of domestic approval in Iran, and Iran has not yet made a final decision.
Insiders have refuted US President Trump's remarks about a possible agreement with Iran, calling them "mixed" and attempting to depict a fabricated victory. Almost everyone is aware that these claims lack credibility. It is reported that Trump's "distortion" of the key points of the agreement is mainly reflected in two aspects.
One is the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump claimed that Iran has an obligation to open the Strait of Hormuz free of charge, but there is no such clause in the agreement text. Iran emphasizes that after the lifting of the blockade, the strait will be opened according to pre agreed arrangements. These arrangements may include monitoring, inspecting, providing services, and ensuring safety for vessels.
The second is nuclear materials.
Trump claims that Iran must remove or destroy its nuclear materials. But insiders emphasized that not only is there no such content in the memorandum of understanding, but this statement is also baseless.
Insiders say that Trump ignored some key provisions in the agreement, such as the need for the United States to immediately unfreeze $12 billion of Iran's frozen assets. This is one of the most important provisions of the agreement that Trump did not mention. According to the agreement text, Iran will not enter any further negotiation stage until this payment is unfrozen. Another key clause is to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon based on the position of Hezbollah.
Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Iran US exchanges continue but no final consensus has been reached yet
On the evening of May 29th, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagae also responded to the relevant statement. The communication between Iran and the United States is still ongoing, but a final consensus has not yet been reached. Bagae also stated that neither side in the West can use the language of 'must' when discussing Iran. Iran will only make its own decisions based on the interests and rights of the Iranian people.
Bagae issued a statement saying that it depends on whether the US will truly fulfill its commitments or just show off. If the US really fulfills its commitments, it means stopping the illegal activities that started a few weeks ago. The so-called 'maritime blockade' by the US has been an illegal act from the very beginning, violating the ceasefire agreement and obstructing international navigation freedom.
Iran reaffirms control over the Strait of Hormuz
In addition to differences over the agreement text, Iran further emphasized its actual control over the Strait of Hormuz on the same day. On the 29th, Reza, spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, stated on social media that Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz is a universally recognized fact, and that countries only need to obtain permits, pay fees, and be guided by the Iranian Navy for ships to pass through.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagai also mentioned the Strait of Hormuz in a statement on the same day, emphasizing the management responsibilities of Iran and Oman as coastal countries. We are facing a special situation that cannot be ignored. Iran and Oman, as two responsible countries, must certainly adopt relevant mechanisms to protect their own interests and security as coastal countries, while ensuring the safety of shipping in this waterway to the international community. This is beyond doubt
