Live: Iran is pleading US to stop its naval blockade, Trump says

Download AppNewsWorldLive: Iran is pleading US to stop its naval blockade, Trump saysMiddle East ConflictUS-Iran War News Live Updates: US President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States was holding "good talks" with Iran and expressed hope that diplomacy could end the conflict, while warning that military strikes would resume if negotiations collapsed. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said Tehran wanted talks because "we've been hitting them very hard" and added, "I think there's a good chance that something could happen... if it doesn't, we go back to doing what we were doing two days ago." His remarks came two days after Washington abruptly paused its two-week bombing campaign. However, the fragile calm was tested as Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq reported drone attacks, while Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis claimed strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure. Iran denied seeking negotiations, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei calling such reports "fabricated" and insisting, "This is not in our DNA," though he confirmed indirect messages were still being exchanged through mediators. Tehran also maintained that it remained in control of the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial global oil shipping route at the centre of the crisis. Hopes that the pause could pave the way for diplomacy sent oil prices tumbling, with Brent crude plunging nearly 9% to around $88 a barrel after briefly crossing $100 last week. Reports suggested Trump halted the bombing campaign after military commanders warned of dwindling targets and concerns over ammunition supplies, claims the US president dismissed by insisting America had "a lot of ammunition" and was rapidly rebuilding its stockpiles. Despite the pause, uncertainty remains high as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz stays severely disrupted and both Washington and Tehran continue to disagree over future access to the strategic waterway. Follow IndiaToday.in for the latest updates....Read MoreUS President Donald Trump (File Photo)Jul 28, 2026 02:26 ISTIran War Live: Iran warns US against maritime blockadeIran's top joint military command said any US attempt to impose an "illegal" maritime blockade would be viewed as an escalation of the regional conflict. According to Iran's Mehr news agency, the Quds Force headquarters warned that it would not leave "any threat or act of aggression" by the US military unanswered and would respond to any such action. Jul 28, 2026 02:03 ISTIran US War Live: Trump says US winning big time against IranUS President Donald Trump said his administration is making the largest-ever investment in the US Armed Forces, describing the US military as the strongest in the world. Speaking at an event in Michigan, Trump claimed the US is "winning big time" against Iran and vowed that the Islamic Republic would never obtain a nuclear weapon. "It's very simple," Trump said. "If you understood the power of nuclear weapons, you'd understand exactly what I was saying." Jul 28, 2026 01:43 ISTUS Iran war: Trump claims Iran is pleading with US to end naval blockadeUS President Donald Trump claimed Iran is urging Washington to lift its naval blockade, saying the US Navy has effectively stopped all maritime traffic into the country. Speaking at General Motors in Michigan, Trump praised the US naval operation, asking the crowd, "How good is our navy with a blockade?" He added, "Not one boat gets in," before claiming Iran is saying, "Please, please, no blockade." Jul 28, 2026 01:40 ISTMiddle East crisis: What has happened so far Trump sees chance for a deal: US President Donald Trump said Washington is holding "good talks" with Iran and expressed hope that diplomacy could end the conflict. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he said, "I think there's a good chance that something could happen," but warned that if negotiations fail, "we go back to doing what we were doing two days ago." US pauses bombing campaign: Trump's remarks came after the US abruptly suspended its two-week air campaign against Iran, a move seen as giving diplomacy another chance after nearly two weeks of intense strikes. Iran denies seeking talks: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei rejected reports that Tehran had requested negotiations, calling them "fabricated" and saying, "This is not in our DNA." He, however, confirmed that indirect messages continue to be exchanged through mediators. Drone attacks continue despite pause: Even as diplomatic efforts continue, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq reported drone attacks. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis also claimed responsibility for targeting Saudi oil infrastructure. Hormuz remains a flashpoint: Tehran said it continues to control the Strait of Hormuz and insists it has authority over transit through the strategic waterway, while Washington continues to demand unrestricted passage for commercial vessels. Oil prices tumble: Hopes of easing tensions sent oil prices sharply lower. Brent crude fell nearly 9% to around $88 a barrel after briefly crossing the $100 mark last week as fears of supply disruptions eased. Reports cite military concerns: According to media reports, Trump paused the bombing campaign after military commanders warned of dwindling targets and concerns over missile stockpiles. Trump rejected the reports, insisting the US has "a lot of ammunition" and is rapidly rebuilding its inventories. Shipping disruptions persist: Despite the pause in US strikes, uncertainty remains high as commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues to be severely disrupted, keeping global energy markets on edge.