Trump says Iran deal could be reached in ‘2 or 3 days,’ Hormuz may reopen soon
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Tuesday said a peace agreement with Iran could be finalized within the next few days, expressing confidence that negotiations are nearing a successful conclusion despite recent military tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters in New York after, Trump said both Iran and Israel had stepped back from further escalation and that a broader agreement was close at hand.
“They were going back and forth, and now they both agreed, through me, to stop, and now we’re in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal that will not in any way allow nuclear weapons,” Trump said.
The president added that a final agreement could be completed within “two or three days.”
Strait of Hormuz may reopen soon
Trump said one of the most significant outcomes of a deal would be the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes.
“The strait will open up immediately upon signing, which could be in two or three days,” he said.
The closure and restrictions on shipping through the waterway during the conflict have disrupted global energy markets and contributed to higher oil prices.
Restoring maritime traffic through the strait has been a key objective for Washington during negotiations with Tehran.
Vance sees serious proposals from Iran
Vice President JD Vance echoed the president’s optimism during an interview on Fox News Monday night, saying Iranian negotiators were presenting substantive proposals during the talks.
“We’ve been very involved in these negotiations,” Vance said. “We’re going to take the attitude of accomplish the president’s mission, but verify over the long term that the Iranians are keeping their end of the bargain.”
Vance added that Iran appears eager to end the conflict, saying continued hostilities are not in Tehran’s interests. “If we get this deal done, it’s going to be a home run for the American people,” he said.
Diplomacy continues amid regional instability
The diplomatic push comes amid continuing instability in the region. Although a ceasefire between the United States and Iran has largely held since April, recent exchanges involving Iran, Israel and Lebanon have raised concerns about renewed escalation.
Iran launched retaliatory strikes following Israeli operations in Lebanon over the weekend, while Israeli officials called for a strong response. The Israeli military said it intercepted incoming missiles.
Trump has urged restraint from Israeli leaders, reportedly pressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid actions that could jeopardize ongoing negotiations.
Trump’s comments also came shortly after two US service members were rescued following the crash of an AH-64 Apache helicopter near the coast of Oman.
The aircraft was operating in support of US efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz when it went down. Both crew members were rescued and are reported to be in stable condition.