President Trump told ABC News he expects negotiations with Iran to produce a deal within the next week, despite a brief disruption in talks earlier Monday.
Speaking by telephone with ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, Trump expressed confidence that negotiations remain on track. The president acknowledged a “glitch” had emerged in discussions but claimed he resolved it quickly.
What Happened
According to Trump, the disruption stemmed from Iranian concerns over Israeli military actions involving Lebanon. “So, I spoke with Hezbollah, and I said no shooting, and I talked to Bibi [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu], and said, no shooting, and they both stopped shooting each other,” Trump said.
Iran had announced earlier Monday that communications with the United States had halted due to what it characterized as Israeli aggression in Lebanon. Trump later signaled through social media that discussions had not collapsed and were continuing “at a rapid pace.”
Trump also claimed he personally intervened to prevent a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. “There will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back,” he wrote on social media.
The Timeline and Obstacles
When asked about finalizing a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Trump pointed to a relatively short timeframe. “I think you’re talking about over the next week,” he said.
Trump acknowledged that negotiations are not yet complete. “I still have to get a few more points,” he said, and noted that decades of hostility between Washington and Tehran complicate efforts. “It’s not a simple thing,” he added.
The president suggested that a negotiated settlement could prove more valuable than military action. “A peace agreement with Iran could be even better than a military victory,” Trump said.
The Broader Stakes
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, with a substantial portion of global oil exports passing through the narrow waterway. Reopening the passage and securing a lasting agreement could have significant implications for energy markets, regional stability, and international trade.
Iran has not publicly confirmed that talks have resumed, and the developments unfolded against ongoing efforts to transform the current ceasefire into a broader peace agreement.
This story has been updated. CNN’s wire staff contributed to this report.
