US President Donald Trump has reiterated his expectation that the US will shortly receive Iran’s response to its latest proposal to end hostilities. But the prospect of negotiations between the two countries remains uncertain.
In a telephone interview with French television on Saturday, Trump said the Iranians are wanting very much to make a deal with the US, adding, “We’ll find out very soon.”
Trump earlier said he expected a letter from Iran by Friday night.
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Friday that “We are doing our own work and are not concerned with deadlines or ultimatums.”
US Central Command announced on Friday that its forces attacked and disabled two Iranian-flagged tankers in the Gulf of Oman as part of the blockade against vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports. The Iranian side reported that its navy fought back against the hostile action.
The Trump administration has expressed the view that its maritime blockade costs Iran 500 million dollars per day and could force Tehran to suspend crude oil production shortly.
However, a US media outlet has reported that Iran can survive the blockade for at least three to four months, citing Central Intelligence Agency analysis.
Meanwhile, multiple US media outlets reported on Friday that a large-scale oil slick had been detected off Iran’s Kharg Island, its largest oil shipping base.
The Associated Press said analysis of satellite images by an expert indicates that around 80,000 barrels of oil had already been leaked as of Friday. The report stated it is unknown whether the spill was caused by a malfunction, an airstrike or something else. The expert was quoted as saying any cleanup efforts will be unlikely as the area is an active war zone. This has raised fears of extensive environmental damage.
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