U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 28th (local time) that Iran had effectively informed the United States it is in a "state of collapse."
Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social that day, "Iran just told us they are in a 'State of Collapse,'" adding, "They want the Strait of Hormuz opened as quickly as possible."
However, it has not yet been confirmed what specific situation Trump meant by Iran's "state of collapse," nor the source of the information.
Trump's remark comes as the United States and Iran have struggled to reach an armistice agreement, and is interpreted as Iran appealing hardship and asking the United States to lift its maritime blockade.
Iran has reportedly conveyed to the United States through a mediator a proposal to discuss ending the war first, separate from the nuclear talks. The proposal is said to reflect the view that the U.S. maritime blockade and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz must be resolved first.
However, Trump was reportedly dissatisfied after discussing the mediation plan with aides the previous day.