Trump: Optimistic About Iran, Also Threatening Iran
Within a 24-hour window, Trump said he was “optimistic” about a deal with Iran — and then threatened Tehran over fees being charged in the Strait of Hormuz.
He also accused Iran of doing a “poor job” of letting energy supplies flow. Karoline Leavitt called reports of Iran closing the strait “completely unacceptable,” though she also said ship traffic had actually been increasing and the Iranian state media reports were “false.”
So: the strait is open, but also unacceptably closed. The ceasefire is holding, but also under strain. The deal is a basis for talks, but also Lebanon isn’t included.
Oil pared gains on the contradictions. Brent was up a fraction at $96.30. WTI at $98.55. Markets are watching the Pakistan talks this weekend to figure out which version of reality is the real one.
For what it’s worth: very few vessels have actually transited the strait since the truce. The hardware says one thing. The press conferences say another.