US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen “very soon,” warning Iran that Washington would take strong military action if a deal is not reached.
Speaking to reporters before leaving Los Angeles following a Republican National Committee fundraising event, Trump said the strategic waterway would either reopen through an agreement or through military pressure.
“The Strait is going to be open very soon — or they’re going to hit very hard, and then the Strait is going to be open,” Trump said, according to Fox News.
He warned that Iran would face a strong response if it withdrew from ongoing discussions, saying Tehran was aware of the consequences.
Trump said that “very good discussions” were taking place with Iran and stressed that his preferred option was a diplomatic solution rather than further military action.
Iran, however, has denied holding direct negotiations with the United States, saying its discussions are being conducted with Oman over arrangements related to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
— KUNA
