President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States and Iran could reach an agreement within the next week to extend a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump expressed confidence in phone remarks to ABC News that negotiations remained on track despite a setback earlier in the day. He acknowledged a brief disruption in talks but said he quickly helped resolve the issue.
What Happened
According to Trump, the problem emerged after Iran became upset over Israeli military actions involving Lebanon. “I spoke with Hezbollah, and I said no shooting, and I talked to Bibi [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu], and said, no shooting, and they both stopped shooting each other,” Trump said.
Iran had announced earlier Monday that communications with the United States had been halted, but Trump later signaled that discussions had not collapsed. He posted on social media that negotiations with Iran were “continuing” at a “rapid pace.”
Trump also claimed he personally intervened to prevent a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, saying he secured assurances from Netanyahu that Israel would not send troops into Beirut.
The Timeline
When asked when a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be finalized, Trump pointed to a relatively short timeline. “I think you’re talking about over the next week,” he said.
Trump acknowledged that negotiations are not yet complete because several issues still need resolution. “I still have to get a few more points,” he said.
What This Means
Trump suggested that a negotiated settlement with Iran could prove more significant than a battlefield victory. “A peace agreement with Iran could be even better than a military victory,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, with a substantial portion of global oil exports passing through the narrow waterway. Reopening the Strait and securing a lasting agreement could have significant implications for energy markets, regional stability, and international trade.
Trump cautioned that reaching a final deal remains difficult because of decades of hostility between Washington and Tehran. “It’s not a simple thing,” he said. “You’re talking about a real large country making a deal. Tremendous hostility, really.”
