Trump warns Iran as talks continue over Strait of Hormuz reopening
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face severe military action if it continues to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz, even as diplomatic efforts to reopen the vital shipping route continue.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump said the strategic waterway would soon be reopened.
“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. All you can do is fight your way out,” he said.
His remarks came as tensions remained high in the region. A crew member was reported missing after a merchant vessel was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, while an Indian cargo ship sank in the Red Sea following a separate attack. The crew of the Indian vessel was rescued.
Trump has repeatedly issued strong warnings to Iran in recent weeks, threatening military action before later suggesting that negotiations were making progress.
Although Iran has denied holding talks with Washington, Trump insists discussions are ongoing.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the United States is involved in negotiations, alongside Oman, aimed at increasing shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports indicate that the US, Iran and Oman are close to reaching a temporary 60-day agreement that would guarantee safe passage through the strait. The proposed deal could reportedly be announced soon if final terms are agreed.
Qatar, which is also helping with mediation efforts, said diplomatic discussions are continuing but clarified that no direct talks between the United States and Iran are currently scheduled.
Trump and Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, also held a phone conversation on Tuesday to discuss efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
The US president said Washington’s objectives remain the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear disarmament, although he acknowledged that the nuclear issue could take time to resolve.
Trump added that sanctions and other pressure on Iran would remain in place unless Tehran agrees to a deal or, in his words, “total surrender.”
Despite months of conflict, Iran continues to launch missiles and drones at US and allied interests in the Middle East, as well as commercial shipping routes.
Meanwhile, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have increased the importance of the Red Sea shipping route. However, that corridor has also come under pressure as Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen continue attacks on vessels they accuse of violating their maritime blockade.
On Tuesday, an Indian cargo ship, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea after an attack, although all crew members were safely rescued.
The Red Sea remains one of the world’s busiest trade corridors, serving as the main route to the Suez Canal, with ongoing security concerns forcing many shipping companies to reconsider their routes.
