President Donald Trump said overnight that the Strait of Hormuz will open 'very soon,' warning that Iran will otherwise face a 'very heavy blow.' Trump added that Iran called and politely asked to talk, that the talks are 'very good,' and that the US will know within 48 hours whether the outcome is a voluntary opening or an attack. The statement was reported by Fox News.
President Donald Trump's overnight statement, reported by Fox News, introduces a new 48-hour timeline for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Iran will otherwise face a "very heavy blow." Trump revealed that Tehran called to politely request dialogue and described the talks as "very good," but made clear that the US will know within 48 hours whether the outcome is a voluntary opening or an attack.
The statement is the latest in a rapid series of pronouncements from the president. At 06:13 Jerusalem Wednesday morning, The Zioneer reported Trump's initial position that the strait would open soon, by agreement or by strike. Within minutes, Trump warned of a "very hard blow" if Iran backs out again, then said the strait could open "tomorrow" citing progress, and later reported "a lot of progress" in negotiations. The new 48-hour timeline and the direct threat of a "very heavy blow" represent a hardening of the US position, narrowing the window for a diplomatic resolution.
The crisis has escalated over the past two weeks. As The Zioneer reported on Monday, Trump gave Iran until Tuesday to reach an agreement with Oman regarding the reopening of the strait, warning of severe strikes. US forces have conducted strikes on IRGC targets, and Trump has labeled Iran's behavior "very bad." Earlier reports indicated that the US was preparing for a deal announcement, but the new overnight statement suggests that the administration is now applying maximum pressure.
The key question remains whether Iran will comply with the demand to reopen the strait within 48 hours. Trump's statement leaves open both possibilities: a voluntary opening or an attack. The source of the statement is Fox News, and the president's remarks have not been independently confirmed.
3 developments
- StrongTrump says Strait of Hormuz to reopen as early as Saturday or Monday
- StrongTrump: US and Iran close to 60-day ceasefire deal, Strait of Hormuz to reopen
- StrongTrump threatens to 'blow the sh*t out of' Iran over Strait of Hormuz
- StrongTrump: Strait of Hormuz is open and will remain open, with or without Iran
Source and signal
- Open-source intake