US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe military action, while expressing optimism that negotiations could produce a breakthrough within days.
Speaking to reporters in California on Tuesday, Trump said discussions with Iran had made significant progress and suggested an agreement to reopen the strategic waterway could be reached as early as Wednesday.
“The strait is going to be open very soon, or they’re going to get hit very hard — and then the strait’s going to be open,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil and gas shipping routes, has remained a major point of contention since renewed hostilities followed an April ceasefire. Iran has tightened its control over the passage and is seeking authority to regulate shipping and impose transit fees.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed optimism, telling CNBC there was a chance of reaching an agreement by Wednesday or Thursday.
However, tensions remain high. Britain’s maritime security agency reported that a merchant vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one crew member missing. Separately, an Indian cargo ship sank in the Red Sea after an unattributed attack, though all crew members were rescued.
Despite Trump’s repeated insistence that talks are underway, Iran’s foreign ministry has denied holding negotiations with Washington.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is involved in mediation efforts between Iran and Oman aimed at increasing shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Axios, the US, Iran and Oman are close to a 60-day interim agreement that would guarantee safe passage through the waterway. The proposed arrangement could reportedly be announced on Wednesday.
Qatar, another mediator in the crisis, confirmed that diplomatic efforts are continuing but said no direct talks between the United States and Iran are currently scheduled.
Trump said Washington’s objectives include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and securing Iran’s denuclearisation, while warning that US pressure would continue until a deal is reached or Iran surrenders.
The disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have increased the importance of Red Sea shipping routes. However, attacks linked to Iran-backed Houthi rebels have also heightened risks in that corridor, forcing global shipping operators to navigate growing security challenges.
