Trump accuses Iran of duplicity, reiterates nuclear red line

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran's leadership of acting "unbelievably duplicitous", claiming Tehran is privately pursuing talks with Washington while publicly denying that any discussions are taking place.

In a post on Truth Social on August 3, Trump said Iranian officials had requested a meeting and that talks had begun, with additional meetings scheduled "in the immediate future". He alleged that Iranian leaders publicly insist they are not negotiating with the United States and are "only dealing with Oman".

Trump also addressed the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting Iranian statements about control over the strategic waterway. He claimed it is already "completely controlled by the United States Navy" and referred to what he described as a U.S. "Blockade" or "The United States Wall of Steel".

He further asserted that nothing would pass through to Iran unless the United States allowed it, adding that restrictions would remain in place unless "a Deal, or Total Surrender, is accomplished."

Trump concluded by reiterating his longstanding position on Iran's nuclear programme, stating: "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!"