Trump Rejects Extension of Iran Deal Deadline, Demands Tehran Surrender

President Donald Trump said Monday that he will not extend the deadline of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding after a 60-day negotiating period ended without a breakthrough.

Trump stepped up the pressure on Tehran, pointing to Iran's severe inflation and the defeat of its military while calling on the Iranian leadership to raise the "white flag" of surrender.

"Iran wants to negotiate, but they will not make the deal that I think is necessary. There's only one reason we're involved in this: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.

60-Day Negotiating Window Ends

The United States and Iran entered a 60-day negotiating period on June 18 under the MOU, with the initial framework intended to open the door to negotiations over larger issues, including Iran's nuclear program.

Renewed military clashes, however, effectively derailed the arrangement before the deadline expired.

Trump has made clear that Washington will not accept an agreement that leaves Iran with a path to a nuclear weapon, a threat that has long been at the center of Israeli and American security concerns in the Middle East.

Trump Raises Pressure Around Strait of Hormuz

Trump also issued a sharp warning to Oman against interfering with U.S. actions, threatening military consequences. He separately said the United States was controlling the Strait of Hormuz through a blockade and floated the idea of declaring the strategically vital waterway U.S. territory.

Iran and Oman, meanwhile, have been holding separate discussions over a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

"We are actively exchanging views on a joint statement in order to reach an agreement that respects international shipping requirements while reflecting the interests and concerns of both countries," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said.

Shipping through the Strait has fallen sharply following repeated attacks on oil tankers, while international oil prices have risen by roughly 2%.

Trump Administration Prepares New Sanctions

Iran's hardline leadership has reportedly focused on preparations for further escalation rather than placing its hopes in negotiations with Washington.

The Trump administration is now preparing another round of tough economic sanctions this week, seeking to push Iran's economic isolation to unprecedented levels.

The strategy adds economic pressure to the military and diplomatic pressure already facing Tehran. Iran has endured years of international sanctions, however, leaving open the question of whether the latest measures will force its leadership to change course.

For Washington and Israel, the central security issue remains unchanged: Iran cannot be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons or use its regional network to threaten American and Israeli interests.