Trump says US only semi-negotiating as Iran hardens Hormuz demands

Iran Peace Deal Analysis for August 10, 2026

Trump said Sunday the US is not fully engaged in peace talks, calling it 'semi-negotiating' with Tehran. Iran responded with steep new demands: US military withdrawal from the region, recognition of Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for past strikes. The two-week ceasefire that started in early August is nearing expiration with no agreement to extend it.

Iran believes time favors Tehran. Officials think Trump wants a deal before midterm elections to avoid staying in the war, and Iran is using that pressure to extract maximum concessions. Oman is working to broker a separate arrangement to reopen the strait to commercial traffic, but the deal would exclude US military vessels. This creates a political problem for Trump with Congress and regional allies.

The gap between the two sides is vast. Trump's team, led by Treasury Secretary Bessent, pushed for a quick agreement days earlier. Bessent said a deal could come 'today, tomorrow.' Iran responded by toughening its position instead. Trump has now backed off the urgent pressure, either buying time or preparing to escalate. The ceasefire window closes without a new framework in place.

The next 48 hours are critical. If the two-week pause expires without renewal, fighting resumes and any path to negotiation becomes much harder. Iran has shown it will use lulls in fighting to demand more, not less.