Hours before the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump to reach a solution with Iran expires, the smoke that will rise does not appear likely to be white. Tehran Times reported that Iran has closed all diplomatic and indirect communication channels with Washington.

A senior Iranian source also told Reuters that “the United States wants Iran to surrender under pressure,” adding: “We will not open the Strait of Hormuz for empty promises, and we will show flexibility when we see flexibility from the U.S. side. If the situation gets out of control, our allies will close the Bab el-Mandeb.”