Washington, Aug 05 (V7N)- US President Donald Trump has said the Strait of Hormuz could reopen as early as Wednesday if negotiations between Washington and Tehran make progress. However, he warned that Iran would face severe consequences if the talks fail.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas transportation, has become a key issue in ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran. Tensions over control of the waterway have escalated following renewed clashes after a ceasefire in April.

Iran has tightened its control over the strategic waterway and is demanding greater authority over shipping activities, including the collection of transit fees. Tehran did not exercise such control before the conflict that began on February 28.

Speaking to reporters in California on Tuesday, Trump said that if an agreement is reached with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened “tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.” He described the latest developments in negotiations as positive.

However, in an interview with Fox News, Trump issued a stronger warning, saying the strait would reopen soon, otherwise Iran would face a harsh response. He also said that the only option was to “fight and make a deal.”

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed optimism, saying an agreement could be reached by Wednesday or Thursday. Speaking to CNBC, he said there was a strong possibility of reaching a deal.

Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. On Tuesday, a sailor went missing after an unidentified projectile struck a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. On the same day, an Indian ship sank in the Red Sea following an unknown attack, although all crew members were later rescued.

Trump’s warnings against Iran have intensified in recent weeks. He previously threatened Tehran with a major military response and suggested possible strikes on infrastructure, but later indicated that a diplomatic solution was close.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly denied that direct negotiations with the United States are underway, despite Trump’s claims that talks are progressing.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is involved in ongoing discussions between Oman and Iran regarding the expansion of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

US media outlet Axios reported that the United States, Iran and Oman had reached a preliminary agreement to reopen the waterway. The proposed arrangement could remain in effect for 60 days and would establish a system to ensure safe passage for vessels through the strait.

Qatar is also playing a mediating role in diplomatic efforts. Doha said discussions aimed at reducing tensions are continuing, although no direct talks between Iran and the United States are planned.

Trump held a phone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday, with Qatar saying the leaders discussed efforts to ease regional tensions.

The US administration’s diplomatic objectives include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and limiting Iran’s nuclear activities. Trump acknowledged that achieving nuclear disarmament could take time.

More than five months into the conflict, the situation remains unstable. The United States has spent billions of dollars on the confrontation, while Iran continues to maintain missile and drone capabilities, creating risks for regional security and international shipping.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an unidentified projectile struck a cargo vessel near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the waterway remain in place, with Tehran requiring vessels to coordinate before passage.

As disruptions continue in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea route has gained importance for global trade. However, security concerns remain there as well, with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement imposing a naval blockade targeting Saudi-linked shipping.

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu has continued supplying oil to international markets by using alternative routes. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks on several vessels, alleging that they violated the blockade.

On Tuesday, the Indian vessel MSV Faiz Noor-e-Olia sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen following an unidentified attack. All crew members were rescued safely.

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