US Pres. Donald Trump. Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz could reopen soon as negotiations with Iran continued, but warned that Tehran would face military action if no agreement was reached.
Trump said Tuesday that discussions had made progress and claimed US and Iranian officials held daylong negotiations.
He added that Washington had been prepared to launch a major attack before Iranian officials sought talks.
Trump warned that Iran would face a strong response if it withdrew from negotiations, reiterating that Tehran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
He said an agreement could allow ships to pass through the strategic waterway without further disruption and help lower global oil and fuel prices.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately said talks over access to the Strait had not yet been finalized but expressed hope that an agreement would be reached soon.
Reports indicated that the United States, Iran and Oman were nearing an interim deal aimed at reopening the waterway and restoring a ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global energy shipments, making any prolonged disruption a threat to oil supplies and international trade.