Iran Mocks Trump as US Extends Negotiation Time Amid Hormuz Strait Tensions

As negotiations over a potential agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz enter a critical phase, Iranian media have intensified their propaganda campaign against US President Donald Trump. Despite threats, regional fighting has not escalated, but Iranian outlets portray Trump as weak and struggling to maintain leverage. The conservative Iranian newspaper Kayhan, known as a regime mouthpiece, declared "Trump has failed again," accusing him of clashing with a strong Iranian stance and attempting to mask Washington's crisis by projecting false strength. Kayhan's editorial titled "Is This Iran's Last Chance or Trump's Last Breath?" argued that Trump's declaration of giving Iran a "last opportunity" reflects US weakness and a historic failure, citing reports from the field, Western media, ammunition shortages, and volatile oil markets as evidence of the White House's vulnerability. The paper claimed Trump is stuck in a self-created quagmire while Iran holds the upper hand in negotiations.

Another conservative outlet, Vatan-e Emrooz, highlighted Iran's control over oil and the Strait of Hormuz as its main pressure lever against the US, describing the conflict as economic and emphasizing the strategic importance of energy markets. Meanwhile, the conservative Al-Mashari newspaper framed the recent Arbaeen marches as a show of strength by the "Resistance Axis," featuring Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem's vow, "We will not leave the battlefield." Al-Mashari also noted ongoing negotiations between Iran and Oman, signaling that Tehran views talks as complementary to continued confrontation rather than a replacement.

This media campaign reflects Tehran's confidence in its bargaining position as Washington extends the negotiation timeline. Iranian rhetoric suggests a readiness to continue pressure and even calls for revenge, underscoring the complex and tense dynamics surrounding the Hormuz Strait and US-Iran relations.