President Trump declared Friday that the U.S. controls the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "We wiped out their armed forces, essentially." Speaking aboard Air Force One after a summit with China's President Xi Jinping, Trump stated the blockade is so effective it prompted a month-long ceasefire.
He added that Xi "feels strongly" Iran should not have a nuclear weapon and wants the strait reopened. Trump expressed openness to a 20-year suspension of Iran's nuclear program, but only with a real commitment from Tehran.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi countered Friday, saying, "We cannot trust the Americans at all." Speaking at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, he described the ceasefire as "very shaky" but said Tehran is trying to maintain it to give diplomacy a chance.
Araghchi called the lack of trust in the U.S. "the main obstacle to any diplomatic effort," noting that "every day brings a different message" from Washington.
Meanwhile, Iran's army chief Major General Amir Hatami vowed to defend the country "until the last drop of blood," with state media reporting his troops will continue their "sacred mission."
Araghchi also claimed Iran was "the victor in this war" and must now be seen as a power capable of confronting the world's greatest powers. He accused the UAE of standing with the U.S. and Israel during the conflict.
Trump said he and Xi "feel very similar on Iran," sharing the goal of ending the war and preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He disclosed that Xi assured him China will not provide military equipment to Iran, calling it a "big statement."
U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper told senators that the bombing campaign destroyed over 90% of Iran's naval mines, but threats to shipping remain. "Their voice is very loud," Cooper said, noting the insurance and merchant industries still hear those threats clearly.
Trump warned he is "not going to be much more patient" on a peace deal, urging Iran to negotiate.