04 June,2026 11:29 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
US President Donald Trump. Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump has said that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately if a proposed agreement with Iran is signed, suggesting that negotiations between Washington and Tehran may be making progress despite recent military tensions.
Speaking at the White House, Trump indicated that talks aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon were moving forward and could potentially result in an agreement within days.
Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations, saying discussions with Iran had proceeded positively. While cautioning that no final agreement had been reached, he suggested that developments could occur in the near future.
According to the President, one of the immediate outcomes of a successful agreement would be the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf to international shipping lanes.
The waterway is regarded as one of the world's most important energy transit corridors, carrying a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption in the strait can have major implications for international energy markets and countries dependent on imported fuel supplies, including India.
Trump reiterated that the central objective of the negotiations remains preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He said the proposed arrangement would include commitments ensuring that Tehran neither develops nor acquires nuclear arms in the future.
The President described the issue as a key national security priority and argued that the agreement under discussion would provide stronger safeguards than previous diplomatic arrangements.
One of the more significant aspects of Trump's remarks involved the possibility of direct cooperation between the United States and Iran regarding nuclear-related materials and facilities.
According to Trump, discussions have included proposals under which remaining nuclear-related materials at Iranian sites could be removed and destroyed. He suggested that such actions could take place as part of a future agreement, although no specific details or timeline were provided.
The President also referred to recent US military operations targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and strategic sites. He argued that those strikes had significantly weakened Iran's nuclear infrastructure and reduced its ability to pursue nuclear weapons development.
While acknowledging that tensions between the two countries remain elevated, Trump said recent military exchanges should not prevent diplomatic efforts from continuing.
Trump also spoke about broader regional developments, including what he described as a diplomatic opening involving Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group.
He claimed that communications had taken place and suggested that efforts were underway to reduce hostilities involving various parties in the region. However, he emphasised that discussions related to Iran's nuclear programme should remain separate from wider regional conflicts.
The President also praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a close partner in addressing regional security concerns.
Trump contrasted the proposed agreement with the nuclear deal negotiated during the administration of former US President Barack Obama, arguing that the new framework would provide stronger guarantees against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
He also acknowledged concerns about the potential economic impact of heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly on energy markets and investor confidence. However, he maintained that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remained a priority despite any short-term economic uncertainty.
(With inputs from IANS)
