Trump: US, Iran having 'very good discussions' on Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump announced that negotiations between Washington and Iran yielded positive discussions regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions, which took place on Tuesday, have fueled expectations of an imminent end to the five-month conflict. Trump told Fox News that “they had an all-day negotiation” and that the Strait of Hormuz “is going to be open very soon.” Iranian diplomats, along with Omani and Qatari mediators, are involved in the talks.
The prospective interim deal, mediated by Oman, has triggered a drop in crude oil prices and gains in global equity markets. According to Axios, the US and Iran are closing in on an agreement to reopen the strait, with Washington aiming for an announcement on Wednesday. However, Iranian state media has stated that an agreement will be delayed “as long as the United States continues to threaten Iran.” The Strait of Hormuz normally carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
The US and Iran have been in conflict for five months, with Trump often threatening massive strikes if Tehran did not reach an agreement. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would restore global petroleum and LNG transit, easing tensions in the region. Oman’s involvement in the negotiations has been crucial, as it controls part of the waterway.
Qatar has also cited progress in the negotiations, indicating a potential breakthrough in the conflict. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days.
