President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States and Iran could reach an agreement within a week to extend a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, despite a brief setback in negotiations earlier in the day.
Trump spoke by phone with ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl about the status of talks with Tehran. He expressed confidence that discussions remain on track despite what he described as a temporary problem that was quickly resolved.
What Trump Said
“Looking good, looking good,” Trump said of the negotiations. The president acknowledged there had been a “glitch” in the talks but claimed he personally helped address it.
Trump said the issue emerged after Iran objected to 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.
Trump suggested that a negotiated settlement with Iran could have greater value than military conflict. “A peace agreement with Iran could be even better than a military victory,” he said.
The president cautioned that finalizing a deal remains challenging given the long history of tensions between Washington and Tehran. “It’s not a simple thing,” Trump said. “You’re talking about a real large country – them – very large country making a deal. Tremendous hostility, really.”
Timeline for Agreement
When asked about timing for a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Trump indicated negotiations could conclude soon. “I think you’re talking about over the next week,” he said.
Trump acknowledged that multiple issues still require resolution before a final agreement can be reached. “I still have to get a few more points,” he said.
The Setback
Trump’s optimistic remarks came after confusion earlier Monday when Iran announced it had halted communications with the United States, citing what it described as Israeli aggression in Lebanon.
Trump later signaled that discussions had not collapsed, posting on social media that negotiations with Iran continue at a “rapid pace.” Iran has not publicly confirmed that talks have resumed.
Trump also used social media to claim he personally prevented broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He said he spoke directly with Netanyahu and secured assurances that Israel would not send troops into Beirut. “There will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back,” Trump wrote.
The 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 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 digital team contributed to this report.
