Trump Says Hormuz Deal Could Be Reached Within Days, Warns Iran of Consequences

US President Donald Trump has said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached as early as Wednesday, while warning that Iran would face severe consequences if negotiations collapse.

Speaking to reporters in California on Tuesday, Trump expressed optimism over the ongoing diplomatic efforts, saying negotiators had made significant progress.

“A deal with Iran to reopen Hormuz could happen tomorrow or the next day,” Trump said, adding that negotiators “had a very good day.”

Earlier in an interview with Fox News, however, the US president struck a tougher tone.

“The strait is going to be open very soon, or they’re going to get hit very hard — and then the strait’s going to be open,” he said.

Hormuz remains key sticking point

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic oil and gas shipping routes, has remained at the centre of negotiations following renewed tensions after an April ceasefire.

Iran has tightened control over the waterway and is seeking greater authority over its operations, including the ability to regulate traffic and impose transit tolls.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also indicated that an agreement could be reached within days.

“There is a chance we may have a deal by Wednesday or Thursday,” he told CNBC.

Reports of progress in negotiations

Despite Iran’s public denial that direct negotiations with Washington are taking place, US officials insist diplomatic engagements are ongoing.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the United States is participating in discussions involving Oman and Iran on restoring safe navigation through the Strait.

Meanwhile, Axios reported that the United States, Iran and Oman are close to reaching a 60-day interim agreement that would allow the safe passage of vessels through the strategic waterway.

The report, citing US and regional officials, said Washington hopes to announce the arrangement as early as Wednesday.

Qatar, which has also been involved in mediation efforts, said diplomatic contacts remain active but noted that no direct Iran-US talks are currently scheduled.

Maritime security concerns persist

Even as negotiations continue, security concerns remain high in the region.

On Tuesday, Britain’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a merchant vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one crew member missing.

In a separate incident, an Indian cargo vessel sank in the Red Sea after an unattributed attack, though all crew members were rescued.

The disruptions have increased the strategic importance of alternative shipping routes through the Red Sea, even as attacks linked to regional conflicts continue to threaten commercial navigation.