US President Donald Trump asserted that the United States is not engaged in talks with Iran and has not scheduled any, despite previously claiming back-channel conversations. His remarks on Tuesday appear to reflect frustration as Iran and Oman continue talks on managing the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump insisted the naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect but other marine traffic is free to pass, and reiterated his threat to declare the Strait as US territory if Iran does not surrender. Iran has reiterated that the Strait would remain closed until Washington meets the terms of a memorandum of understanding signed in June to end hostilities, including lifting sanctions and releasing frozen assets.