President Trump told ABC News that negotiations with Iran are progressing well and a deal could be finalized within a week, despite a brief diplomatic setback earlier Monday.
Trump spoke by telephone with ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, expressing confidence that talks remain on track. He acknowledged a “glitch” had emerged in negotiations but said he quickly resolved the issue.
What Triggered the Setback
Iran had announced earlier Monday that it halted communications with the United States, citing what it described as Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Trump attributed the disruption to tensions between Israel and Hezbollah rather than a fundamental breakdown in talks.
“There was a little glitch today, but I turned that one around very quickly,” Trump said. He claimed he personally intervened by calling both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives to stop hostile actions.
Trump’s Diplomatic Intervention
Trump stated he spoke directly with Netanyahu and secured assurances that Israeli troops would not enter Beirut. “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.
He also claimed Hezbollah agreed to cease fire after discussions conducted through intermediaries. “They agreed that all shooting will stop – That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel,” Trump said.
Timeline and Remaining Obstacles
When asked when a memorandum of understanding regarding the Strait of Hormuz could be finalized, Trump pointed to a compressed timeline. “I think you’re talking about over the next week,” he said.
Trump acknowledged that completing a final agreement remains challenging given the historical animosity between Washington and Tehran. “It’s not a simple thing,” he said, citing “tremendous hostility” between the nations and the complexity of negotiating with a large country.
Strategic Significance
Trump characterized a peace agreement with Iran as potentially more consequential than a military outcome. “A peace agreement with Iran could be even better than a military victory,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz represents one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors, with substantial global oil exports transiting the narrow waterway. A reopened strait and lasting agreement could significantly impact energy markets, regional stability, and international commerce.
This story has been updated. CNN’s international desk contributed to this report.
