Trump says no talks are taking place with Iran and none are scheduled

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on Aug 18 said there were no conversations taking place with Iran, and none were scheduled, adding that the Strait of Hormuz was open.“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The naval blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.Top Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said in comments published by state media on Aug 18 that the strait would remain shut until the US met the conditions of an interim deal signed with Iran in June.These conditions include the US lifting its blockade of Iranian ports, lifting oil sanctions, releasing Tehran’s frozen assets, and ending threats and military operations on all fronts, Qalibaf told Parliament. REUTERS