Iran declared it will not enter talks unless the United States first accepts Tehran's preconditions, including guaranteeing passage through the Strait of Hormuz and normalizing oil exports.
On the 11th, local time, according to Iran's Fars News Agency, Iranian authorities dismissed President Trump's claim that "peace talks can continue even without a cease-fire," and said, "Talks are possible only if the United States strictly implements existing understandings."
By contrast, on the same day the United States strongly urged Iran to immediately open all routes in the Strait of Hormuz and to make a public pledge not to attack civilian vessels. It warned that if this is not carried out, Iran would "pay a serious price."
U.S. President Donald Trump also sent a stern warning to Iran on the 10th, the day before. Trump said on social media that he had received an assassination plot from Israeli intelligence and warned, "If the assassination threat is carried out, we will rain down 1,000 missiles" on Iran. However, he left room for back-channel dialogue by indicating that working-level cease-fire discussions will continue.
The United States and Iran have again edged toward uncontrollable armed conflict after the U.S. Treasury abruptly revoked waivers that had allowed Iran's oil exports. When the economic sanctions were restored, Iran immediately pushed back. The United States accused Iran of being behind a series of attacks on civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is currently targeting key military facilities across Iran, while Iran is responding by targeting U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urgently departed for Oman on the 11th to discuss issues including the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to manage the situation. However, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as supreme leader, raised his voice on social media on the 11th, saying, "Carrying out this revenge is our certain and undeniable duty," revealing a split within Iran's leadership over how to confront the United States.