Bitcoin holds $64,600 as Trump rules out Iran talks

Bitcoin has risen above $64,600 after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington is not holding talks with Iran, while conflicting claims over the Strait of Hormuz kept oil above $91 per barrel.

In an Aug. 18 Truth Social post, Trump said the United States and Iran were not holding discussions and had no negotiations scheduled, contradicting recent reports that diplomatic contacts could produce another temporary agreement.

“The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating,” Trump wrote.

The president also said all water mines in the strait had been removed or detonated. Iran disputed his account, with chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf saying Tehran would keep the waterway closed until the United States fulfilled conditions contained in a June interim agreement, according to Reuters.

According to Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Tehran’s conditions include lifting the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, removing oil sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and ending U.S. military threats and operations. The memorandum, signed on June 17, established a 60-day period for negotiations toward a broader agreement that would include Iran’s nuclear program.