U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran, warning that Tehran must move quickly to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz or risk severe military consequences, even as Washington signals that a diplomatic breakthrough could be imminent.
Speaking to reporters in California on Tuesday, Trump expressed optimism that an agreement could be finalized “tomorrow or the next day” after what he described as a productive round of negotiations.
“We had a very good day,” Trump said, adding that a deal to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could be reached as early as Wednesday.
However, in a separate interview with Fox News, the U.S. president delivered a far tougher message.
“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. All you can do is fight your way out,” Trump warned.
The Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and a significant share of global liquefied natural gas pass—has remained the central flashpoint in negotiations following the collapse of an April ceasefire. Its disruption has rattled global energy markets and heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.
According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, negotiators are making progress, saying there is “a chance we may have a deal” by Wednesday or Thursday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed that the United States is participating in discussions involving Oman and Iran aimed at increasing commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, Axios reported that the United States, Iran and Oman are close to reaching a 60-day interim agreement that would guarantee safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while broader negotiations continue. The report, citing U.S. and regional officials, said Washington hopes to announce the agreement on Wednesday.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, tensions remain high.
A crew member aboard a merchant vessel was reported missing after the ship was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. In a separate incident, an Indian commercial vessel sank in the Red Sea following an unattributed attack, underscoring the fragile security situation across key maritime routes.
Trump’s latest warning follows a familiar pattern. In recent weeks, he has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran—including strikes on critical infrastructure—before suggesting that diplomacy remains the preferred path if Tehran agrees to cooperate.
For its part, Iran has publicly denied holding direct negotiations with Washington, even as U.S. officials continue to express optimism that an agreement to reopen one of the world’s most important shipping lanes may be within reach.
