US President Donald Trump has said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached as early as Wednesday, while warning Iran that it would face a strong response if negotiations fail.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas supplies, has remained a major point of disagreement in ongoing discussions and has contributed to renewed tensions following an April ceasefire.
Iran has tightened control over the waterway and is seeking greater authority over its operations, including the ability to regulate passage and impose tolls — measures it did not enforce before the war began on February 28.
Speaking to reporters in California on Tuesday, Trump said negotiations with Iran had made progress and suggested an agreement could be reached soon.
He said negotiators had experienced “a very good day” and expressed optimism that the strait could reopen.
Earlier, however, the US President issued a stronger warning during an interview with Fox News, saying the waterway would reopen either through an agreement or military action.
“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.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said there was a possibility of reaching an agreement by Wednesday or Thursday.
“There is a chance we may have a deal,” Bessent told CNBC.
The situation remains volatile, with maritime incidents continuing in the region.
On Tuesday, one crew member was reported missing after a merchant vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
An Indian vessel in the Red Sea also sank following an attack whose source has not been identified, although all crew members were rescued.
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran in recent weeks, including possible strikes on infrastructure, but later indicated that diplomatic progress could prevent further escalation.
While Trump has insisted that negotiations are ongoing, Iran’s foreign ministry has denied holding direct talks with Washington.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the United States was involved in discussions between Oman and Iran aimed at increasing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Axios, the United States, Iran and Oman were close to reaching an interim agreement that would allow safer passage through the waterway.
The reported arrangement would last 60 days and focus on reopening the route between Iran and Oman.
Qatar, which has been involved in mediation efforts, said diplomatic discussions were continuing but confirmed that no direct talks between Iran and the United States were planned.
Qatar’s leader, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, held a phone conversation with Trump on Tuesday, with Doha saying both leaders discussed efforts to reduce tensions.
Trump had earlier said he expected to know the outcome of the negotiations “one way or the other” but described the issue as manageable.
Washington’s objectives include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and achieving the denuclearisation of Iran.
Trump said nuclear discussions could take some time but maintained that progress was possible.
The US President previously accused Tehran of acting dishonestly during negotiations and said a US counter-blockade of Iranian ports would remain until a deal or “total surrender” was achieved.
More than five months into the conflict, Iran remains capable of launching missiles and drones against US and allied targets in the region, as well as commercial shipping routes.
The UK’s maritime security agency, UKMTO, reported that an unnamed cargo vessel was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman on Tuesday.
Iran continues to maintain restrictions on the strait, requiring ships to coordinate their movements before crossing.
The disruptions in Hormuz have increased attention on alternative shipping routes, including the Red Sea.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and have claimed responsibility for attacks on vessels they accuse of violating the restrictions.
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu has allowed the country to continue exports by avoiding the Strait of Hormuz.
However, previous Houthi attacks during the Gaza conflict forced many shipping companies to divert vessels around Africa’s southern coast to avoid the Red Sea route.
