Trump Halts Iran Talks, Shifts to Long-Term Pressure Amid Threats to Bulgaria and Cyprus

After weeks of stalled negotiations with Iran, US President Donald Trump has ordered his senior envoys to cease talks with Tehran, signaling a strategic shift from seeking a quick resolution to imposing prolonged economic and military pressure. According to a US source cited by CNN, White House officials informed political allies of this change, emphasizing a policy aimed at "choking" Iran over time rather than immediate confrontation.

Simultaneously, Iran continues to threaten not only Gulf states and shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz but also targets in Europe. The Financial Times reported that Tehran considered attacking US military assets in southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria, which recently authorized US air force refueling operations on its soil. Cyprus, where a British airbase was struck by a drone in March, is also a potential target if the US escalates military actions. Iranian officials have additionally explored the possibility of attacking undersea fiber optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite previous claims by Trump that talks were progressing well and a new deal was imminent, he recently declared on his social media platform Truth Social that no talks are taking place or planned. He reaffirmed the full strength of the maritime blockade on Iran, stating that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and operational with all naval mines cleared or neutralized. Trump also posted a map labeling the Strait as "new American territory," hinting at a future annexation after defeating Iran.

Reports indicate that over 80% of vessels passing through the Strait in recent weeks have rerouted via the Oman route, which Iran opposes but is UN-approved. White House sources said the decision to halt talks followed some "positive discussions" but dissatisfaction with Iran's unwillingness to meet US demands. Jared Kushner, Trump's special envoy, had recently described talks as better than ever but without concrete agreements. Iran's Revolutionary Guards quickly denied any negotiations, calling such claims "fantasy."

US officials expressed frustration with Oman, viewing it as more sympathetic to Iran than a neutral partner in managing Strait traffic. The US plans to impose additional sanctions on Iran while maintaining the maritime blockade, aiming to pressure Tehran into accepting US terms. Conversely, Iranian sources perceive Trump as politically pressured to withdraw, contributing to the current stalemate.