Trump Says Iran Deal Could End War, Reopen Hormuz Strait
Washington— US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the war with Iran could end and the Strait of Hormuz reopen if Tehran agrees to terms under discussion, as both sides move closer to a preliminary agreement to halt hostilities.
“Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to the Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be open to all,” Trump said on social media, warning that failure to accept the proposal would result in intensified military action.
The remarks come amid indications that Washington and Tehran are nearing a one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict and initiating further negotiations, according to a source familiar with the talks.
The proposed framework would declare an end to the war and launch a 30-day negotiating period to finalize arrangements covering maritime transit through the strait, limits on Iran’s nuclear program, and the lifting of US sanctions.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured once US threats subside, adding that new procedures were being implemented for shipping, though no details were provided.The developments follow Trump’s decision to pause “Project Freedom,” a US naval mission intended to escort vessels through the waterway, citing progress in negotiations.
The blockade, however, remains in force.The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, has been largely closed to international shipping since late February, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. The disruption has severely affected global energy flows and heightened geopolitical tensions.
According to sources, the draft memorandum could include provisions for Iran to halt nuclear enrichment activities, while the United States would lift sanctions and release frozen Iranian funds. Both sides would also gradually ease restrictions on shipping during the negotiation period.
The talks involve US envoys and Iranian officials engaging directly and through intermediaries, with Pakistan playing a mediating role, the source said.Despite the diplomatic progress, incidents in the strait have continued.
A French shipping company reported that one of its container vessels was struck in the waterway this week, with injured crew evacuated.Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking during a visit to China, said Tehran was seeking a “fair and comprehensive agreement” but did not directly address Trump’s latest comments.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted shipping and triggered repeated strikes on vessels and regional targets, underscoring the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global trade and energy markets.
