Washington, Aug. 7: US President Donald Trump has said that no agreement has yet been reached with Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but expressed confidence that a deal could be signed “very soon,” despite missing several self-imposed deadlines.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said negotiations were moving in a positive direction and that he was personally involved in the talks.
“We’re doing very well. I’m directly involved in the negotiations. The situation is positive, and a deal could happen very soon,” Trump said.
However, he stressed that US sanctions on Iranian ports would remain in effect until a formal agreement is reached.
Trump had previously postponed a planned large-scale military strike on Iran’s energy facilities after receiving assurances from Middle Eastern mediators that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was within reach. Since then, he has repeatedly predicted that an agreement would be finalized within days, first suggesting Tuesday, then Wednesday or Thursday, but no deal has yet been announced.
The US president also praised Iran’s ability to withstand military pressure and economic sanctions, while expressing optimism that the conflict would not continue for long.
“I think this war will end very quickly. I don’t believe they can keep it going much longer,” Trump said.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime oil transit routes, remains at the center of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the region.
