Some advisors were surprised at how quickly maritime traffic came to a standstill, while Trump was astonished that “just drones could control the strait.” He expressed belated frustration that this vital waterway was so vulnerable.

At the end of March, Trump ordered advisors to find ways to negotiate. By early April, gas prices had risen more than $1 per gallon. The contradictions in the president’s thinking made aides increasingly worried that the war was becoming a political burden.

Crisis after crisis

He continuously received calls from reporters, saying the U.S. was “almost out of targets” in Iran or complaining about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In another interview, he said he could attack “every power plant” in Iran.

Aides repeatedly advised the president to limit impromptu interviews because the public would see the White House as inconsistent in its messaging. At times, Trump joked with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt that he had spoken to a reporter and there was explosive news, but she would have to wait until it was published. Sometimes Trump agreed to limit media conversations, but soon reverted to his old habits.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles encouraged Trump to address the nation to reassure America. Initially, he was uninterested because he did not know what to say and could not declare victory. In the end, the April 1 speech failed to clarify how the U.S. would exit the war, leaving the public even more skeptical.

According to sources, Trump fears having to order troops into dangerous areas, where some may be injured and others may never return home.

For example, Trump opposed sending U.S. soldiers to seize Kharg Island, the center of 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Although the U.S. would likely succeed and get closer to controlling the Strait of Hormuz, Trump worried that American casualties would be unacceptably high.

The successive crises have kept the White House in turmoil for the past seven weeks. Trump has made risky statements without consulting his national security team. The White House chief believes threats and uncertainty could push Tehran to negotiate.

Right after Trump’s April 5 post, many Republican lawmakers and Christian leaders called the White House. They asked why the president had “praised Allah” on Easter morning and why he had used profanity.

After the post threatening to “destroy Iranian civilization,” the White House spoke with Pakistan about mediating a ceasefire. Trump was so angry with Europe that he did not want anyone else to take on the role.

While the world counted down to the 8 p.m. deadline, Trump kept switching topics—from supporting a candidate in a state race in Indiana, preparing for midterms, to discussing cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence policy. Despite moments of extreme pressure, Trump said he wanted to discuss other topics and wanted the media to cover more than just Iran.

Additionally, the White House has increased attention to security threats. For example, in recent weeks, guests at the Mar-a-Lago resort noticed that umbrellas were arranged unusually to limit drone visibility.

Middle East Issue

The World section introduces the book “Africa – Middle East: Outstanding Political and Economic Issues.” The book introduces institutional political and economic reforms in Africa and the Middle East since the end of the Cold War. It covers many issues related to ethnicity, the ability to resolve ethnic and religious conflicts, policies of major powers, oil and gas in these two regions,…

Iran’s Supreme Leader warns of new strike against U.S., Israel On April 19, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of a “new bitter failure” for the U.S. and Israel as tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, where at least two merchant ships reported being fired upon.

President Trump Gives Iran a “Final Opportunity,” Iran Vows to Fight to the End

Iran declares it will make no concessions, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s harsh warnings about reaching a peace agreement.

President Donald Trump of the United States (Photo: Reuters).*

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and Iran’s chief negotiator, stated that Iran will not yield to U.S. pressure. He noted that there has been some progress in the talks, although fundamental issues remain unresolved.

“We will stand firm until the end,” Mr. Ghalibaf said in a televised speech on April 19.

He reiterated that the Iranian delegation went to Pakistan for negotiations with the U.S. “with goodwill but deep suspicion.” He affirmed that Tehran is still prepared for war if necessary.

“We are still very far from a final agreement,” Mr. Ghalibaf said, calling on the U.S. to earn the trust of the Iranian people.

“Overall, I can say there has been progress in the negotiations, but the differences remain significant and some fundamental issues have not yet been resolved,” he added.

The Iranian official also accused the U.S. of planning to infiltrate Iran through waves of instability from the western and eastern borders. He declared that efforts to change the regime and “Venezuela-ize” Iran — with the aim of selling its oil — have failed.

“It is clear that the enemy has been defeated, but that is different from claiming we have crushed their military,” Mr. Ghalibaf assessed.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that negotiations with Iran were going “very well,” but emphasized that he would not allow Iran to pressure the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz.

In an interview with Fox News released on April 19, President Trump declared that any negotiations in Pakistan — taking place before the two-week ceasefire agreement expires on April 22 — represent Iran’s “final opportunity” to agree to a peace deal.

“If Iran does not sign this agreement, the entire country will be blown up,” Trump warned.

He repeated his earlier threat that the U.S. would specifically destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges if the country does not sign the agreement.

The White House chief stated that the deal the U.S. is offering Iran — which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran does not possess enriched uranium — is a “very fair and reasonable agreement.” If Iran does not accept it, “every power plant” and “every bridge” in the country will be destroyed by the U.S.

The first round of talks between the U.S. and Iran took place in Pakistan but yielded no agreement. Iran’s nuclear program remains the core issue in the negotiations.

President Trump demands that Tehran dismantle its infrastructure and hand over enriched uranium to eliminate its nuclear program — proposals that Iran considers “unacceptable.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said President Trump has no reason to “deprive Iran of its nuclear rights.”

After the talks, President Trump announced a blockade of Iranian ports and shipping activities through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 25% of the world’s traded crude oil.

On April 17, Iran announced it had reopened the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels, considering the move part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon as well as regional de-escalation efforts.

However, the Strait of Hormuz was closed again the next day after President Trump stated that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports would remain in effect until a peace agreement is reached.

Tehran has not confirmed the next round of negotiations with the U.S. Tasnim news agency reported that Iran will not return to the negotiating table unless Washington drops its “excessive demands.”

According to RT, Fox