Trump Rejects Talks, Claims ‘Almost Total Control’ of Hormuz; Pakistan Pushes for Diplomacy Amid Escalation

Washington/Tehran
U.S. President Donald Trump has denied reports that his administration is pressing Iran to return to negotiations, asserting instead that Washington now has “almost total control” of the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran’s economy is “totally collapsing.”  Meanwhile, Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to pushing for dialogue between Washington and Tehran despite a sharp escalation in hostilities across the Middle East.
Trump: “I’m Not Trying to Force Iran to the Bargaining Table”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump dismissed claims that he was seeking to bring Iran back to talks, saying he had no interest in a deal that held “no value” for the United States.  “I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing,” he wrote, adding: “When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?”
Wedding Strike in Hormozgan: Iran Calls It a ‘War Crime’
Iranian officials said U.S. forces struck a wedding ceremony in Kuhestak, Sirik county, Hormozgan province, killing at least four to five people—including children—and injuring more than 50.  Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei labeled the attack a “war crime” and a grave violation of international humanitarian law.  The Iranian Red Crescent has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate.
Pakistan’s Stance: “We Will Continue Pushing for Dialogue”
In Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remains hopeful and will continue efforts to promote talks and diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran despite the latest surge in violence.  Pakistan has previously described the “Islamabad MoU” as the only viable path to end the conflict and has urged both sides to exercise restraint.
Israel on Alert Ahead of Jewish Holidays
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the country is preparing for a possible Iranian attack during upcoming Jewish holidays and vowed a “full-force” response.  He added that he and the prime minister are monitoring the situation daily, including via late-night calls with the IDF.
Regional Retaliation: IRGC Targets U.S. Assets; Kuwait, Bahrain Intercept Drones
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it struck U.S. assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Erbil, Iraq, including bases hosting U.S. troops and the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.  Kuwait and Bahrain reported intercepting Iranian drones, though a residential complex in Kuwait City briefly caught fire.  U.S. Central Command confirmed it completed a new wave of strikes on IRGC air defenses, radar systems, and communications hubs.