WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran could potentially reach an agreement within the next week aimed at extending an interim ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, expressing optimism about diplomatic efforts despite renewed tensions and mixed signals from Tehran.
In a telephone interview with ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, Trump described the ongoing backchannel negotiations as “looking good,” while acknowledging that the talks encountered a temporary setback earlier in the day. He said there had been “a little glitch,” but claimed he acted quickly to help resolve the problem and keep negotiations moving.
According to Trump, tensions increased after Tehran objected to expanded Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The president said he intervened with both sides in an effort to prevent further escalation and protect the fragile diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran.
Trump presented diplomacy as a potentially more effective path than continued military confrontation. He argued that a formal peace agreement with Iran could ultimately produce a stronger and more lasting result than a military victory.
Decades of Mistrust Complicate Negotiations
Trump acknowledged that reaching a comprehensive agreement would be difficult because of decades of hostility and strategic mistrust between the United States and Iran. He described Iran as an important regional power and noted that political pressures inside both countries could make negotiations especially challenging.
“It’s not an easy thing for them,” Trump said, adding that the process was not easy for the United States either. Still, he expressed confidence that American negotiators were making progress toward their objectives.
The president indicated that diplomats were working on a potential memorandum of understanding addressing maritime restrictions in the Persian Gulf and establishing arrangements intended to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump suggested that such a document could potentially be completed within seven days, although he acknowledged that several unresolved issues remained.
The optimistic projection came after a turbulent day in which Iranian officials reportedly indicated that negotiations could be suspended in response to Israeli military operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The development raised concerns among regional allies that the diplomatic opening could collapse.
Trump, however, pushed back against reports that the broader process had broken down, saying in a social media statement that technical discussions were continuing at a rapid pace.
Broader Ceasefire Efforts
Trump also claimed he had used direct diplomacy to address tensions along Israel’s northern border. He said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and secured an understanding that Israeli ground forces would not enter central Beirut.
Trump further said that communications through regional intermediaries had produced an understanding involving Hezbollah, under which rocket and drone attacks would stop in exchange for an end to targeted Israeli airstrikes against senior Hezbollah leadership.
Such arrangements could remain fragile, however, given the history of temporary ceasefires and repeated cross-border confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
At the center of the negotiations is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints. Roughly one-fifth of global petroleum supplies pass through the waterway, meaning prolonged disruption could send energy prices higher, increase shipping and insurance costs, and create broader economic instability.
For Washington, restoring reliable maritime traffic would represent a significant diplomatic achievement and help protect global supply chains. For Tehran, any agreement could be closely connected to sanctions relief, security guarantees, and assurances concerning foreign military activity.
Although Trump has presented the coming week as a critical opportunity for a breakthrough, major uncertainties remain. The ultimate success of any agreement will depend on whether negotiators can transform preliminary understandings into enforceable commitments and maintain stability both on land and at sea.
