U.S. President Donald Trump has played down the likelihood of imminent negotiations with Iran. The two nations continue to exchange strikes, while the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen has threatened to block Saudi Arabia's Red Sea shipping lanes.

On Tuesday, Trump stated that the U.S. would respond if the Iran-supported organization disrupts the Red Sea shipping route, though he did not provide specifics.

These remarks follow ten consecutive days of mutual attacks between the U.S. and Iran, as mediators continue efforts to revive talks.

Speaking at the White House during a meeting with Lebanon's president, Trump said, "Iran desperately wants to negotiate, but we are not interested in talking until they are ready for a meaningful dialogue." He vowed that the United States would continue its fight.

Tehran has denied U.S. claims that Iran is seeking further negotiations. Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momani was visiting Pakistan on Tuesday, but there was no immediate news of progress from mediators.

The Houthi group, supported by Iran, stated on Monday it would impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, potentially endangering millions of barrels of Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea. An email seen by Bloomberg shows the Houthis sent a message to shipowners warning all vessels against docking at Saudi ports.

When asked about the Houthi threat to attack shipping, Trump said, "If that happens, we'll take care of it." He offered no further elaboration.

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen stated it is taking measures to protect ships in the region. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said the kingdom would take all necessary steps in accordance with international law to safeguard vessels.

U.S. retail gasoline prices have risen back above $4, a development that could negatively impact Trump and Republican prospects in the midterm elections.

Responding to questions on Tuesday, Trump suggested Iran is "probably" trying to influence the election through attacks in the Strait. He also hinted at the possibility of further U.S. military action.

Trump said, "Even if we left tomorrow, we have already achieved great success. But we are not leaving tomorrow." He reiterated that the U.S. would soon strike Mount Pikakis, a site suspected by the U.S. and Israel to be an Iranian nuclear facility.

When asked about reports of a proposed 10-day ceasefire by mediators, a U.S. official stated that Trump's current focus is on punishing Iran for attacks on ships in the Strait, with airstrikes continuing until the President changes course, though diplomatic efforts to end the war persist.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran will not abandon diplomacy but will not return to the negotiating table while under military attack.

In a published interview, he said, "Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf have global repercussions; we have become a global player." This comment underscores Tehran's view that its control over the Strait is leverage against the U.S. and vital to its own security.

On July 18, an attack occurred in Iran, damaging a bridge.

The U.S. military announced that since last Friday, three service members have been killed in northern Iraq and Jordan, with one service member still missing.