US President Donald Trump on Friday signalled cautious optimism over the situation in Iran, while warning that the ongoing ceasefire could collapse within days if diplomatic efforts fail.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at positive developments but stopped short of sharing specifics. “We had some pretty good news 20 minutes ago, but it seems to be going very well in the Middle East with Iran," he said. “You’ll hear about. I just think it’s something that should happen… I think it will. We’ll see what happens."
Ceasefire deadline and warning of escalation
Trump made it clear that the two-week ceasefire may not continue beyond Wednesday unless negotiations produce a long-term agreement.
“Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain. But maybe I won’t extend it, so you’ll have a blockade and unfortunately, we’ll have to start dropping bombs again," he said.
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He also ruled out any possibility of Iran imposing tolls or restricting passage through the Strait of Hormuz. “Nope. No way. No. Nope. The restriction is that you can’t do the tolls. No, there’s not gonna be tolls," he stated.
Strait of Hormuz reopens, but tensions persist
The remarks came shortly after Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. While Trump welcomed the reopening, he confirmed that US naval restrictions targeting Iran would stay in place.
“The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% is complete," he said in a Truth Social post.
He further claimed that Iran had assured it would not shut the waterway again.
The Strait remains a critical global route, handling nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply. Its disruption over the past several weeks had sharply impacted energy markets and trade flows.
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Iran pushes back, fresh talks ahead
Iran, however, has issued a strong warning against the continued blockade. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open. Passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be conducted based on the “designated route" and with Iranian authorisation."
Meanwhile, another round of talks between the US and Iran is expected in Islamabad on April 20. The previous round, held on April 11, ended without any breakthrough.
Trump has also said the US intends to recover Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected the claim, stating the material would not be moved out of the country.
