President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are on track to produce a ceasefire extension and Strait of Hormuz reopening within the next week, despite a brief disruption in talks Monday.
Trump spoke with ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl by phone, expressing confidence that discussions remained moving forward. The president acknowledged a negotiating setback had occurred earlier in the day but said he resolved it quickly.
What Happened in Negotiations
Trump said the disruption stemmed from Iranian concerns about Israeli military operations involving Lebanon. “There was a little glitch today, but I turned that one around very quickly,” Trump said.
The president claimed he personally intervened with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and representatives of Hezbollah to halt escalating military actions. “I spoke with Hezbollah, and I said no shooting, and I talked to Bibi, and said, no shooting, and they both stopped shooting each other,” Trump said.
Iran had announced Monday that communications with the United States had halted due to what it described as Israeli aggression in Lebanon. Trump later used social media to signal that discussions had not collapsed, stating negotiations were continuing at a “rapid pace.”
Timeline and Remaining Issues
Trump indicated a memorandum of understanding regarding the Strait of Hormuz could be finalized within seven days. “I think you’re talking about over the next week,” he said when asked about the timeline.
The president acknowledged that several issues remained unresolved. “I still have to get a few more points,” Trump said, noting that reaching a comprehensive agreement with Iran faced challenges rooted in decades of hostility between the nations.
Trump suggested a negotiated settlement could carry greater value than military action. “A peace agreement with Iran could be even better than a military victory,” he said.
Strategic Significance
The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, with a substantial portion of global oil exports transiting through the waterway. Reopening the passage and securing a lasting agreement could affect energy markets, regional stability, and international commerce.
Iran has not publicly confirmed that negotiations have resumed following Monday’s announced halt in communications.
This story has been updated. CNN’s international affairs team contributed to this report.
