U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States is in “very good” discussions with Iran and warns Tehran that it will be “hit very hard” unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened “very soon.” Speaking in a Fox News interview and during a stop in California, Trump links the reopening of the waterway to an anticipated agreement involving ongoing talks. Multiple outlets report that Trump characterizes the talks as constructive and suggests a deal could be announced within days. One report says an interim arrangement is being approached involving the U.S., Iran and Oman, with Washington aiming to make an announcement as early as Wednesday.
Several sources also state that Trump expects the prospective agreement to address more than the reopening itself, including Iran’s nuclear program and questions of how the Strait is managed. Channel NewsAsia adds that Iran seeks to control shipping through the strait and charge tolls, a position it had not pursued before the conflict began on Feb 28. Across coverage, Trump’s central message remains a warning of potential force alongside a timetable for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.