Trump Says Iran Talks Underway, Hormuz Access Key to Potential Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are currently in progress, stressing that any agreement would require Tehran to allow access through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative, Trump indicated that mounting military pressure has pushed Iran toward the negotiating table.

“We’re negotiating now, and it would be great if we could reach something,” Trump said, adding that Iran must “open up” the vital oil transit route. During his remarks, he briefly misspoke by referring to it as the “Strait of Trump” before correcting himself. 

Trump also criticized previous administrations, including those of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, over their handling of Iran’s nuclear program, arguing that earlier agreements weakened U.S. leverage. 

He claimed that recent U.S. military operations have significantly reduced Iran’s military capabilities, including its missile systems, naval fleet, and air force. Trump described the campaign as precise and effective, adding that objectives had been achieved ahead of schedule.

According to Trump, the sustained pressure has led Iran to engage in negotiations, with reports of oil shipments cited as indicators of ongoing talks. He characterized the situation as a “military operation” rather than a full-scale war.

Trump reiterated his longstanding position that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, warning that such a development would pose a serious threat to the United States and its allies in the region.