Trump Slams Iran: No Cards Left Except Strait of Hormuz Oil Disruptions!

Trump's Truth Social Post on Iran

US President Trump said the leadership of Iran is now only alive in order to negotiate and they have absolutely zero negotiating cards other than temporary disruption of the world oil supply via international channels, in a Truth Social post on Friday.
"The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!" Trump said.

The comment is likely a reference to Iran's closure, or threats to close, the Strait of Hormuz – the narrow channel, along which a massive percentage of the world's oil transit. It has been the centre of controversy amidst the recent US-Iran faltering cease-fire talks, with continued demands from the US for it to be reopened to international shipping.
The latest comment comes following a string of harsh messages from the president over the last few days, including clear ultimatums about the reopening of the strait and serious threats for failed compliance.

Leaders Head to Pakistan for Ceasefire Talks

Earlier that day, Trump had suggested a military escalation in a conversation with The New York Post. He said that the US warships are being reloaded with the best ammunition they have got and they are ready to launch an attack if peace negotiations fail in Pakistan.
US Vice President JD Vance heads to Pakistan for negotiations. Iran is due to be represented in Islamabad by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Earlier, Araghchi had asserted in pre-war discussions that Iran holds an inalienable right to enrich Uranium.

Key Demands: Uranium Handover, Strait Access

It is predicted that talks will focus on central U.S. demands to hand over around 1,000 pounds of deep underground enriched uranium, and to maintain a lifting of restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The lifting of restrictions is seen as being at the forefront of the U.S. President Donald Trump's conditions for the ceasefire, yet only few ships have sailed through the strait since America suspended its bombing campaign.