Trump Stands Firm: U.S. Refuses to Yield to Iran’s Pressure Amid Escalating Tensions

Donald Trump has firmly stated that Iran will not succeed in “blackmailing” the United States, following Iran’s renewed threats to shut down the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The President addressed the escalating tensions during a Q&A session on Saturday. This came shortly after he signed an unrelated executive order aimed at improving access to a psychedelic drug known for treating PTSD.

Despite the turbulent situation involving Iran’s control over the Strait and threats to vessels passing through the oil-rich region, Trump expressed optimism, noting that discussions between the US and Iran are “going very well.”

“They have tried to close the Strait again, as they’ve attempted for years, but they cannot blackmail us,” Trump asserted.

He added, “We’ll have more information by the end of the day. We are in conversation with them and maintaining a tough stance. A significant number of our people have been harmed in the past.”

It comes amid reports Iran opened fire on Saturday on ships trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz after shutting the key waterway again.

At least two Indian merchant vessels reported being hit by gunfire as they attempted to pass through the narrow waterway, three shipping and security sources told Reuters.

The extent of the damage was not immediately clear. One of the vessels was carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil.

President Donald Trump said Iran cannot ‘blackmail’ the US after threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz again

It comes after Iran has opened fire on ships trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said Iran’s navy was ready to inflict ‘new bitter defeats’ on its enemies in a message posted on Telegram.

The convoy that had begun moving through the strait quickly scattered, with vessel tracking data showing ships dispersing after what had been the first major movement since the start of the war.

It came after Iran moved to re-start the blockade, saying the Strait of Hormuz had been shut once more after the US refused to lift what Tehran describes as a naval blockade of its ports.

Trump warned he could ‘start dropping bombs again’ if the fragile ceasefire collapses.

The president insisted a US naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place until a deal is reached, prompting fresh warnings from Tehran it could shut the route again.

Trump said on Saturday he is still weighing whether to extend the truce, warning military action remains on the table if talks fail.

He discussed the latest with Iran at a press conference where he signed an executive order to speed up the process of using psychedelic drugs to treat veterans’ PTSD.  

The president brought out advocate Joe Rogan to make the announcement who he said emailed him about the treatment, sparking his interest.

At least two Indian merchant vessels reported being hit by gunfire in the Strait. Pictured: a boat anchored off the cost of Iran near the Strait 

‘Today, we’re bringing them new hope,’ he said, as Rogan and RFK Jr stood behind him in the Oval Office. 

‘I think you’re going to see a big difference and a big reduction in that number [of suicides].’ 

The drug being studied is ibogaine, Trump said, as he announced a $50million investment for research and help speed up the process to get it FDA approved. 

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive from the root of a shrub native to Central Africa. 

It has gained popularity in recent years and generated the attention of medical professionals and of Rogan.

Trump said the study found an 80 to 90 percent reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety within one month of use. 

A study found that when combined with magnesium to protect the heart, the drug safely and effectively reduced PTSD, anxiety and depression.

‘Can I have some, please?’ the president joked, to a roar of laughter. ‘I’ll take whatever it takes!’

He discussed the latest with Iran at a press conference where he signed an executive order to speed up the process of using psychedelic drugs to treat veterans’ PTSD, which he brought out Joe Rogan for, as he introduced him to the topic 

He later backtracked, saying: ‘I don’t have time to be depressed. You know, if you stay busy enough, maybe that works too. That’s what I do.’

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the health secretary, said the executive order comes amid concerns veterans were desperately traveling to Mexico and other countries to get the drug for relief, as it was not available in the US.

Rogan also spoke at the event, saying he sent the president an email about ibogaine, to which Trump reportedly replied: ‘Sounds great! Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.’

‘It was literally that quick,’ Rogan said, before thanking Trump for his work in speeding up the process.