US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of being ‘unbelievably duplicitous’ and stated that Tehran has a ‘last chance’ to agree to a peace deal. Trump claimed that discussions are taking place to reach a solution to the current standoff, despite Iran’s denial of any negotiations. He also stated that the Strait of Hormuz could be open ‘literally by tomorrow’ and that the first phase of the agreement would be the opening of the straits, followed by denuclearization.
Iran has flatly denied any plan for negotiators to meet with their US counterparts, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stating that Tehran is instead in discussions with Oman about securing a temporary safe route through the Strait of Hormuz. A military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Mohsen Rezaei, has warned the US that Iran will ‘not tolerate’ the naval blockade and that American vessels and forces will face serious risks and casualties if it continues. The US military has asked for ‘creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran.’ In an email, an officer in the intelligence branch of US Central Command asked a broad group of military analysts for suggestions, citing a need for new ideas.
This move has been described as highly unusual by military officials. Oil prices have rebounded slightly due to concerns that Middle Eastern supply remains at risk as a diplomatic resolution to the US-Iran war seems unlikely. Front-month Brent futures rose $0.62 to $84.39 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was $0.61 higher at $80.95.
A new AP-NORC poll conducted from July 23-27 suggests Americans are growing increasingly skeptical of the war with Iran, with about two-thirds saying the conflict has not been worth fighting and support for President Donald Trump’s handling of the war slipping. The survey found just 28% of US adults approve of Trump’s handling of Iran, down from 34% last month, although the poll’s margin of error means the decline is modest. Tensions in the region remain high, with Syrian and Iraqi leaders discussing security concerns and Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups carrying out multiple drone strikes targeting American interests across Iraq.
