Trump Says Strait of Hormuz Could Reopen 'Very Soon' as US-Iran Talks Continue

Reuters

US President Donald Trump.

US President Donald Trump has said the Strait of Hormuz could reopen "very soon", warning that Iran would face severe consequences if negotiations failed.

Speaking to Fox News during a visit to California on Wednesday, Trump said the United States was holding "very good discussions" with Iran, adding that Iranian officials and international mediators had been engaged in talks throughout the day.

The US president said Tehran was keen to reach an agreement to end months of tensions, describing the negotiations as Iran's "last chance" to secure a deal.

"If they back out again, they will be hit very hard," Trump said. "They can't have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple."

He also warned that any military action against Iran would be "the biggest since World War II".

Meanwhile, Axios reported that the United States, Iran and Oman were close to reaching a temporary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing two regional sources and a US official.

According to the report, the proposed arrangement would initially remain in force for 60 days, with the option of an extension.

Under the draft agreement, all vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz and heading into the Gulf would transit through a northern route in Iranian waters, while ships leaving the Gulf for the Arabian Sea would use a southern route through Omani waters in coordination with Iran.

The proposal also states that no transit fees or taxes would be imposed during the 60-day period, while the parties would work to clear sea mines from the Strait's central shipping channel within 30 days.

Axios reported that the White House has played an active role in the negotiations, which have involved several recent telephone conversations between US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.

According to the report, Araqchi had agreed in principle to the proposed arrangement, pending approval by Iran's leadership. However, both a US official and a regional source told Axios that the necessary approval process was completed on Tuesday, potentially paving the way for a formal announcement.


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