President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran could reach an agreement within a week to extend a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump acknowledged a “glitch” had emerged in talks but said he resolved it quickly. The president attributed the problem to 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. He added that a peace agreement with Iran could exceed the value of military action.
Obstacles Remain in Negotiations
Trump cautioned that reaching a final deal faces obstacles due to decades of tension between Washington and Tehran. “So it’s not an easy thing for them. It’s actually not easy from our standpoint either,” he said.
The president acknowledged several issues still require resolution before a memorandum of understanding can be finalized. “I still have to get a few more points,” Trump said.
Later, Trump used social media to signal that negotiations remain active. He stated discussions with Iran are continuing at a “rapid pace” and have not collapsed.
Trump’s Role in Regional Tensions
Trump claimed he personally intervened to prevent a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He said he secured assurances from Netanyahu that Israel would not send troops into Beirut.
The president also stated that Hezbollah agreed to halt attacks on Israel following discussions conducted through intermediaries. These developments occurred as earlier Monday reports suggested Iran had paused communications, raising concerns negotiations could deteriorate.
Strategic Importance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, with a substantial portion of global oil exports transiting through the waterway. Reopening the Strait could have significant implications for energy markets, regional stability, and international trade.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
