President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran could reach a comprehensive agreement within a week, marking a potential breakthrough in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Trump made the announcement during an interview with ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl, expressing confidence in ongoing negotiations despite a diplomatic setback earlier in the day. The potential deal would extend the current ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping channel for global energy supplies.
What the Deal Would Accomplish
The agreement aims to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant portion of the world’s oil exports. Trump said stabilizing the waterway would calm global energy markets and reduce the risk of wider maritime conflict.
The President did not downplay the obstacles remaining. He acknowledged the “tremendous hostility” defining the U.S.-Iran relationship for decades, noting that “several key points remain under negotiation” on the memorandum of understanding.
Trump’s Role in De-escalation
Trump claimed to have personally intervened to resolve regional tensions threatening the broader talks. He said he held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and communicated with Hezbollah through intermediaries.
According to Trump, these efforts successfully halted active hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. He stated he secured assurances that no Israeli troops would enter Beirut and that forces already in transit were turned back.
The Diplomatic Confusion
Earlier Monday, Iran announced it had halted all communications with the United States, citing Israeli military actions in Lebanon as the reason. Trump later dismissed these reports, posting on social media that discussions were moving forward at a “rapid pace.”
Tehran has not publicly confirmed the resumption of official talks. Trump remained steadfast that his administration is making significant progress in securing the necessary concessions from both sides.
This story has been updated. CNN’s diplomatic correspondents contributed to this report.
