12.04.2026 23:30
A denial came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that the U.S. Navy would begin the process of blockading the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "Britain and a few other countries are also sending mine-sweeping ships." An unnamed government official reported that the London administration would not participate in a potential blockade of the Strait, which is critical for global energy trade.
No results came from the critical negotiations lasting 21 hours between the US and Iran in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. While the parties announced that the talks ended without reaching an agreement, US President Donald Trump issued a new threat against Iran.
“ENGLAND AND A FEW OTHER COUNTRIES ARE SENDING MINE SWEEPERS"
Trump stated that the US Navy would initiate the process of blockading the Strait of Hormuz, saying, “We will reach a foundation where everyone is allowed to enter and exit. We will also start to destroy the mines that the Iranians have laid in the strait. Any Iranian that fires at us or peaceful ships will be sent to hell,” he said.
Trump announced that the US and other countries would send mine-sweeping ships to the Strait of Hormuz to clear the mines laid by Iran, saying, "We have mine-sweeping ships in the region. We have state-of-the-art, highly advanced underwater mine-sweeping ships; in addition to these, we are also deploying more traditional mine-sweeping ships to the area. As far as I understand, England and a few other countries are also sending mine-sweeping ships," he said.
ENGLAND WILL NOT BE PART OF THE BLOCKADE
However, there was a denial from the UK side regarding Trump's statements. A government official, who spoke to Sky News on condition of anonymity, stated that they would not be part of any blockade to be implemented in the Strait of Hormuz. Emphasizing that London defends freedom of navigation, the official said, “We continue to support the urgently needed freedom of navigation and the openness of the Strait of Hormuz to support the global economy and the cost of living within the country.” The official also stated, “The Strait of Hormuz should not be subject to a transit fee.”
IRAN'S FIRST RESPONSE TO TRUMP'S THREAT: ANY WRONG MOVE WILL TRAP YOU IN A DEADLY WHIRLPOOL
The first response from Iran to Trump's threat came from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The social media account of the IRGC Navy shared images related to the Strait of Hormuz. The shared images showed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) conducting surveillance over the Strait of Hormuz. In the statement released alongside the images, it was stated, "All traffic is under the control of the armed forces. Any wrong move will trap the enemy in a deadly whirlpool in the Strait of Hormuz."
"ANY MILITARY SHIP APPROACHING THE STRAIT WILL BE CONSIDERED A CEASEFIRE VIOLATION"
In a second statement made by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, it was stated, "The IRGC Navy reports that, contrary to the baseless claims of some enemy officials, the Strait of Hormuz is under intelligent control and management and is open to the passage of harmless civilian ships within the established rules. However, for whatever reason, any military ships attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire and will be responded to harshly."
“IF YOU FIGHT, WE WILL FIGHT; IF YOU APPROACH WITH LOGIC, WE WILL RESPOND WITH LOGIC”
Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, who led the Iranian delegation participating in negotiations with the US in Islamabad, made a statement to the press after returning to his country. Qalibaf reported that the negotiations were "very intense, serious, and difficult," stating that they had told the US side from the beginning that they did not trust them, as they had been attacked twice during the negotiations. Thanking the Iranian delegation for the discussions that lasted more than 20 hours, Qalibaf expressed that the threats made by the US had no effect on the Iranian people and that they had proven this. "If the US wants to find a way out for itself, there is only one way, which is to make a decision and gain the trust of the Iranian people," Qalibaf said, addressing the US: "If you fight, we will fight, and if you approach with logic, we will respond with logic. We will not bow to any threat. If they test our will once again, we will give them a bigger lesson."
NO RESULTS CAME FROM 21 HOURS OF TALKS
No results came from the critical negotiations lasting 21 hours between the US and Iran in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The US side presented a proposal that included the complete termination of Iran's nuclear program. Tehran rejected this request and put its own proposal on the table. The negotiations reached a deadlock as neither side took a step back. US Vice President J.D. Vance summarized the reason for the deadlock, saying, “We clearly laid out our red lines, but Iran preferred not to accept these conditions.” Iranian media suggested that the reason for the inability to reach a common framework and agreement in the Tehran-Washington talks in Islamabad was the excessive demands of the US.
MILITARY PRESSURE YIELDED NO RESULTS
Following the inconclusive talks in Geneva in February, the extensive attacks initiated by the US against Iran also did not yield the expected results. According to Pentagon data, despite operations lasting 38 days that targeted more than 13,000 sites, Iran did not back down. The Tehran administration clearly stated that military pressure would not change its decisions.
MESSAGE OF DETERMINATION FROM IRAN
The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized in a statement made after the talks that the country would not back down regarding its nuclear program. The statement said, “Our determination to defend the interests and rights of our nation has been further strengthened.” Iran rejected the demands for the complete termination of its nuclear activities, considering them as a matter of sovereign rights.
THE CRISIS CENTERS AROUND THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ
One of the most critical topics of the negotiations was the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran prioritized the control and security of the strait, no consensus was reached with the US on this issue. Experts believe that a potential conflict could deeply shake global energy markets. Previous crises in the Strait of Hormuz had led to significant economic fluctuations worldwide due to disruptions in approximately 20% of oil supply.
TWO OPTIONS ON THE TABLE: LONG NEGOTIATIONS OR WAR
According to an analysis by The New York Times, the US administration will either enter into a new negotiation process with Iran that could last for years or take the risk of a large-scale conflict that includes control of the Strait of Hormuz. The parties' maintenance of their current positions weakens the likelihood of a new consensus in the short term, indicating that tensions in the region will continue.