#美伊局势和谈与增兵博弈 What are the latest updates on the Middle East situation? Let’s take a look.

1. Trump: US and Iran may reach an agreement “within the next one or two days”
Xinhua News Agency reports that U.S. President Trump said in a phone interview with Axios News website on the 17th that Iran wants to meet and they want to reach an agreement. “I think a meeting is very likely to take place this weekend. I believe we will reach an agreement within the next one or two days.” Trump stated that before reaching an agreement, he will not lift the maritime blockade imposed on Iran, hoping the Strait of Hormuz can be open to all countries. On the same day, Trump also told Israel’s Channel 12 TV that he expects the U.S. and Iran to reach an end-of-war agreement “within the next one or two days.”
2. Trump posts multiple messages: US will continue maritime blockade against Iran
Xinhua News Agency reports that after Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz on the 17th, President Trump posted multiple messages on social media, “thanking” Iran for opening the “Iran Strait,” while stating that the U.S. will continue to enforce a maritime blockade against Iran. In his initial post, Trump said, “Iran just announced that the ‘Iran Strait’ is fully open and passable. Thank you!” But he quickly posted again, saying, “The maritime blockade against Iran will remain in effect until we complete 100% of our negotiations with Iran. Since most details have already been negotiated, this process should be completed very soon.”
In subsequent posts, Trump claimed that Iran has agreed not to close the Strait of Hormuz anymore, and with U.S. assistance, all mines have been or are being cleared. He also said the U.S. will obtain all of Iran’s nuclear “dust,” and will not pay any money in any way or form. Several Western media outlets interpret Trump’s mention of nuclear “dust” as referring to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
He also stated that this agreement has nothing to do with Lebanon, and said, “The U.S. will work alone with Lebanon and handle the Hezbollah situation appropriately. Israel will no longer bomb Lebanon