Trump warns Iran: Open Hormuz or face 'very hard' hit

President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, stating the Strait of Hormuz would "be open very soon, or they're going to get hit very hard." The U.S. president suggested a deal to reopen the crucial waterway, a vital conduit for global oil and gas, could be finalized imminently.

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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.

Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations, stating that negotiators "had a very good day." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment, telling CNBC there was a chance for a deal "by today or tomorrow."

However, the president's tone also carried a clear threat. "All you can do is fight your way out," he added, underscoring the potential for military escalation should diplomatic efforts falter. The volatile situation was highlighted by recent incidents, including a projectile hitting a merchant ship in Hormuz and an Indian ship sinking in the Red Sea following an unattributed attack.

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All you can do is fight your way out.

Despite Iran's foreign ministry denying ongoing negotiations with Washington, Trump insisted they were happening. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed U.S. involvement in talks between Oman and Iran aimed at increasing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. News outlet Axios reported that the U.S., Iran, and Oman were nearing a 60-day interim deal for safe passage, which Washington hoped to announce soon. Qatar, acting as a mediator, confirmed diplomatic efforts were underway, though no direct Iran-U.S. talks were planned.

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there is a chance we may have a deal