Trump Hails ‘Very Good Discussions’ With Iran. Says Deal To Reopen Hormuz Strait Could Be Imminent
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. is having “very good discussions” with Iran and a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be announced imminently.
Speaking to press on Tuesday night, Trump said “a lot of progress has been made” and the key waterway is “going to be open very soon.”
However, he again reiterated that if “hey back out again, they are going to get hit really hard.”
Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a deal.
Asked whether Iran will be allowed to charge a toll for passage, as it has said it is willing to do, he was not specific but said the agreement would allow freedom of navigation in the waterway. “Even though things are still a little dicey there over the past few days, we saw quite a few ships coming out even now.”
Reuters detailed on Tuesday that Tehran is seeking to control inbound shipping through the Hormuz Strait and have oversight over outbound traffic.
Qatar spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari had also said efforts to reach a deal between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing but there are no direct talks in the plans.
“We can confirm that efforts are ongoing with all parties, we are looking into a diplomatic solution,” Ansari said.
Citing regional sources familiar with the matter, Axios detailed that the deal sets up a 60-day deal between Oman and Iran in the waterway. All inbound traffic would go through Iranian waters, while outbound traffic would go through Omani waters in coordination with Tehran.
No tolls or fees would be charged during that period, and parties would work to clear mines in the median lane within 30 days. After the median waterway is cleared, it would be used for both inbound and outbound traffic under a permanent deal to be negotiated between Iran and Oman.
