Trump states U.S. is 'semi-negotiating' with Iran amid Strait of Hormuz demands

President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Axios that the U.S. is only 'semi-negotiating' with Iran and indicated that he would allow economic pressure to increase on Tehran. Iran has outlined new demands for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, including compensation for war damages. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei mentioned that the reopening of the Strait is contingent on the U.S. ending its blockade on Iran. Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that while there is an exchange of messages through intermediaries, there are no negotiations occurring with the U.S. He emphasized that negotiations cannot resume until the U.S. compensates for its violations of agreements. In related developments, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels attacked the port city of Mocha in Yemen twice within 24 hours, targeting military forces and weapon depots. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, stating that there would be no withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed. The Supreme National Security Council of Iran declared that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the U.S. 'corrects its behavior' and lifts its naval blockade.