U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is prepared for extended peace negotiations with Iran despite growing political pressure over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said domestic politics would not influence his decisions regarding the war, which has become increasingly unpopular among many Americans.
He also made it clear that the United States would not allow Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Trump’s comments came after reports from Iranian state media claimed that a preliminary agreement between both countries was close. The reported draft suggested Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping in exchange for the United States easing its naval blockade and reducing military presence around Iran.
However, the White House quickly denied the report, describing it as completely false.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained heavily restricted since the early stages of the conflict, disrupting global oil markets and increasing fears of a wider regional crisis.
Iranian officials have reportedly focused recent discussions on reopening the waterway, while more difficult negotiations involving Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile have been postponed for later talks.
Trump stated that he would not support any arrangement allowing Iran’s uranium reserves to be transferred to countries such as Russia or China.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region continue to rise. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of a strong response to any cease-fire violations, while Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei hinted at possible renewed attacks on U.S. military bases in the Persian Gulf.
The conflict has also spread beyond Iran. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon intensified again this week, with Israeli airstrikes hitting southern Lebanon for a second consecutive day. Lebanese health officials reported dozens of deaths, including children.
In Gaza, Hamas confirmed that senior military commander Mohammed Odeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike. He is among the highest-ranking Hamas leaders killed since the cease-fire that began last year.
Trump also issued a warning to Oman, a long-time U.S. ally, against cooperating with Iran on any shared control of the Strait of Hormuz. He insisted the waterway must remain open to all international shipping and said the United States would continue monitoring the area closely.
At the center of ongoing negotiations is Iran’s demand for access to billions of dollars frozen in foreign banks due to international sanctions. Iranian officials say meaningful peace discussions cannot move forward unless part of the funds are released.
The Trump administration has so far resisted those demands, insisting Iran must first give up its highly enriched uranium before any financial concessions are considered.
Despite recent diplomatic discussions, both Washington and Tehran still appear far from reaching a final agreement as military tensions continue across the region.
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