President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran could reach an agreement within a week to extend a ceasefire and reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Trump made the comments during a telephone interview with ABC News, expressing confidence that negotiations remain on track despite a brief setback earlier in the day. He acknowledged a “glitch” in the talks but said he quickly helped resolve the issue.
What Happened
“There was a little glitch today, but I turned that one around very quickly,” Trump said. According to the president, the problem emerged after Iran became upset over Israeli military actions involving Lebanon.
Trump said he spoke with both Hezbollah and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent further escalation. “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.
Earlier Monday, Iran announced it had halted communications with the United States, citing Israeli aggression in Lebanon. However, Trump later signaled through social media that discussions had not collapsed and were continuing at a “rapid pace.”
Trump’s Intervention Claims
Trump used social media to claim he personally prevented a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He said he secured assurances from Netanyahu that Israel would not send troops into Beirut.
Through intermediaries, Trump claimed Hezbollah agreed to halt attacks on Israel following his intervention. “They agreed that all shooting will stop – That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel,” Trump stated.
What This Means
Trump suggested that a negotiated settlement with Iran could prove more significant than a battlefield victory. “A peace agreement with Iran could be even better than a military victory,” he said.
The president cautioned that reaching a final deal remains difficult because of decades of hostility between Washington and Tehran. “It’s not a simple thing,” Trump said, noting that both countries face challenges in reaching an agreement.
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 Strait and securing a lasting agreement could have significant implications for energy markets, regional stability, and international trade.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Health and World teams contributed to this report.
