Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of engaging in "theatre diplomacy on loop," criticizing the U.S. leader's repeated announcements of planned attacks on Iran followed by swift cancellations. Ghalibaf made these remarks via social media on Thursday, responding to Trump's recent claims that a deal with Tehran was imminent.

Ghalibaf, who also serves as Iran's chief negotiator, stated that Washington's tactic of oscillating between military threats and negotiation offers is a failing strategy. He urged the U.S. to "acknowledge the facts" and uphold its commitments.

This exchange follows Trump's decision last Saturday to call off a planned large-scale military operation against Iran. Trump asserted that Iran and regional nations had requested the strike's cancellation due to an approaching diplomatic breakthrough. He claimed this agreement would lead to the "immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT" and resolve "Iran's nuclear threat."

Iran has been engaged in discussions with Oman aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has indicated that an agreement is close to finalization, with both nations reportedly agreeing on the coordinates for routes through the vital waterway. The strait, crucial for global energy transport, had been an open passage before the conflict escalated.

The closure of the strait and attacks on regional energy infrastructure have led to a significant increase in oil prices. Trump, speaking to reporters on Thursday, expressed optimism that the conflict with Iran would conclude soon, predicting a drop in gasoline prices as a result. He stated his belief that Iran could not "go much longer" and confirmed his personal involvement in the ongoing negotiations.

Trump has consistently maintained for months that Iran is on the verge of defeat and that the conflict is nearing its end. However, Iranian officials have emphasized a different perspective, asserting their control over regional waterways and their readiness to defend their sovereignty.

The ongoing regional war, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 29, has significantly disrupted energy markets. Iran's assertion of sovereignty over parts of the Strait of Hormuz, which lies within Iranian and Omani territorial waters, adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical situation.

Analysts suggest that the back-and-forth rhetoric and actions highlight the deep mistrust between the two nations. The effectiveness of Trump's pressure tactics remains a subject of debate, with Iran appearing resolute in its stance despite the U.S. administration's claims of progress.