Trump: "Talks with Iran in Final Stages"... Iran Demands Release of Frozen Assets, End to Maritime Blockade

U.S. Central Command Tightens Maritime Blockade
Iranian Oil Tanker Intercepted in the Strait of Oman
Iran: "Frozen Assets Must Be Released, Blockade Lifted"

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire negotiations with Iran have entered the "final stages," while repeatedly warning of the possibility of additional military strikes if an agreement falls through. While continuing negotiations, the United States has also strengthened its maritime blockade by intercepting Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Iran, while reviewing the new U.S. proposal, has made the release of its overseas frozen assets and the lifting of the maritime blockade key conditions for negotiations.

U.S. President Donald Trump. The White House

According to Bloomberg and other sources on May 20 (local time), President Trump met with reporters at the White House and said regarding the negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, "The talks with Iran are in their final stages," adding, "We must receive the right answer, and it must be complete and 100% satisfactory." He further stated, "It could end very quickly, or it could take a few days."

However, President Trump also made it clear that military action remains an option if negotiations fail. In his commencement address at the United States Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut that day, he said, "Let's see what happens," and added, "We have struck Iran very hard. We may have to strike even harder. But we may not have to."

He went on to emphasize, "We will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons," calling it "a very simple matter." He also said, "Iran's military power has essentially disappeared. They have almost no navy or air force," and stated, "The key issue is whether the United States will deliver a final blow, or whether Iran will sign the agreement."

The United States is also ramping up military pressure independent of the negotiations. U.S. Central Command announced that it intercepted the Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker 'Celestial Sea' in the Gulf of Oman that day. Central Command explained, "U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the vessel, suspected of attempting to breach the blockade, and conducted a search," and after ordering a change in course, released the ship.

Iran Demands Release of Frozen Assets and Lifting of Maritime Blockade

On the same day, Iran also announced that it had received a new proposal from the United States and was reviewing it. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with state television, "We have received the U.S. perspective (proposal) and are currently reviewing it closely."

He also revealed that Pakistan is serving as a channel for exchanging messages between the two countries. Spokesperson Baghaei explained, "The reason the Pakistani interior minister is currently in Tehran is to facilitate the exchange of messages between the two countries." According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan's interior minister, visited Tehran again that day following a previous visit on the 16th.

However, Iran also made clear its preconditions for resuming negotiations. Spokesperson Baghaei demanded the release of overseas frozen assets and the lifting of the U.S. maritime blockade, stating, "We have participated in the dialogue in complete good faith and sincerity," and insisting, "The other side must also prove its sincerity." He added, "Diplomacy can only succeed if negotiations proceed based on legitimate demands."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.