Trump Says Hormuz Deal Possible Within 48 Hours, Threatens Iran With ‘Very Hard’ Strike
The US president linked the reopening of the strategic waterway to nuclear talks, as Iran and Oman negotiate safe corridors and mediators report progress.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be announced as early as Wednesday, while warning that Iran would be “hit very hard” if the waterway remained closed. Speaking to reporters in California, Mr Trump stated that a deal “could happen. Tomorrow or the next day,” and that “a lot of progress has been made.” In a separate Fox News interview, he declared: “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.”
Viewed from Washington, the negotiations are framed as a path to both restoring maritime traffic and advancing the goal of Iran’s denuclearisation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed “advances” in talks with Iran and Oman but said no definitive agreement had been concluded. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that a deal was possible “today or tomorrow.” Iran, however, has repeatedly denied direct negotiations with the United States. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran’s discussions with Oman focused on “establishing safe corridors of entry and exit” that respect sovereign rights and national security considerations of both states.
Two regional officials told the Associated Press that the emerging arrangement, mediated by Oman, would see inbound vessels use an Iranian-controlled route and outbound traffic pass through Omani waters. The Axios news site reported that a 60-day interim mechanism was under discussion, under which no tolls or fees would be charged and Iran and Oman would work to clear mines from a middle shipping lane. Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, also spoke with Mr Trump on Tuesday as part of parallel mediation efforts. Mr Trump, however, publicly rejected the notion of Iran collecting peajes, saying: “If anyone is going to charge, we will charge.”
The strait, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas once passed, has been effectively blockaded since the war began on 28 February with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. A ceasefire and preliminary agreement in April collapsed within weeks. Brent crude futures slipped 1.2% to $78.43 a barrel early Wednesday on hopes of a deal, but attacks continued: a cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile in the strait on Tuesday, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed a missile attack on a Saudi tanker in the Red Sea. No final agreement has been reached, and regional officials caution that the terms could still change.
| Latin American press | −0.40 | critical |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic / Anglosphere press | +0.10 | neutral |
| Indian & South Asian press | +0.20 | neutral |
Trump issues an ultimatum to Iran: a deal on the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or a military attack. Latin American press emphasizes the threat and tension, also reporting Tehran's denial, but the tone is alarm over a possible escalation.
A deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached as early as Wednesday. The Atlantic press reports diplomatic progress between the US, Iran and Oman, with a neutral and factual tone, highlighting potential economic impacts and the end of the war.
The reopening of Hormuz is vital for the global economy. A timely deal would avoid an energy crisis.
By framing the issue in terms of economic and strategic regional impact, it legitimizes a pragmatic approach and calls for caution.
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