Trump says he will soon decide on Iran deal, demands reopening of Hormuz Strait

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday he would soon make a final determination on a proposed deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran, a move that would prolong an early-April truce for another 60 days. The White House stated the decision would be made in a secure room, emphasizing that any agreement must be "good for America" and uphold Trump's redlines, particularly that "Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon."

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President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines. Iran ​can never possess a Nuclear Weapon.

However, significant differences remain between the two nations. Trump insisted that Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and immediately open the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted shipping traffic. He further demanded that nuclear material be "unearthed." These conditions have not been met with agreement from Tehran.

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Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no ​tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions.

A senior Iranian source, speaking anonymously to Reuters, indicated that an agreement was close but not yet finalized. This source countered Trump's narrative, suggesting the potential deal does not involve nuclear issues. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, citing its own sources, dismissed Trump's statements as an "attempt to portray a fabricated victory." The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also stated that the management of the Strait of Hormuz should be decided by Iran and Oman.

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Trump’s comments were an “attempt to portray a fabricated victory.”

Further complicating the situation, Fars reported that the strait would reopen under Tehran's conditions after the U.S. lifts its blockade on Iranian ships. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested the blockade would be removed gradually if a deal is reached. Fars also mentioned an agreement to release $12 billion of Iran's frozen assets, though Trump stated no money would be exchanged "until further notice," possibly referencing Iran's demands for toll payments, war reparations, or asset releases.

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the management of the strait must be decided by Iran and Oman.