Trump: Strait of Hormuz Will Open ‘Very Soon’ or Iran Will Get ‘Hit Very Hard’ as U.S. Eyes Wednesday Deal

President Donald Trump warned Iran that the Strait of Hormuz would either reopen “very soon” or Tehran would face “a very hard hit,” as the United States, Iran, and Oman neared an interim agreement aimed at restoring shipping through the critical waterway. According to reports, the deal was expected to be announced Wednesday, marking a potential shift in tensions following months of diplomatic efforts. The agreement would temporarily ease restrictions on maritime passage through the strait, which is vital for global oil exports. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday night, Trump expressed confidence in the progress of negotiations, stating that the United States had been prepared to launch a major military strike against Iran before the talks began. He claimed that Iran had reached out to avoid such an escalation, prompting him to agree to dialogue. “They called me and said, very politely, ‘Please, can we talk? Can we talk?’” Trump recalled. “I said, ‘Yes, we can talk. Let’s get it done.’” He emphasized that Iran understood the consequences of backing out, asserting that the U.S. could not allow Tehran to develop nuclear capabilities. Despite his optimism, Trump acknowledged that the outcome of the talks remained uncertain. “The only thing that matters is action,” he said, adding that if Iran failed to reach an agreement, the situation would be “too bad.” Later, upon arriving in Los Angeles, Trump reiterated that the negotiations were progressing well, though he did not specify how much closer the parties had come to a resolution. When asked about the status of talks with Iran, he responded, “We’ll know in 48 hours.” The proposed agreement, as outlined by regional sources and a U.S. official, would establish a 60-day temporary arrangement allowing ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Under this plan, incoming vessels would use a northern lane in Iranian waters, while outgoing ships would pass through a southern lane controlled by Oman. This setup would bypass the previously restricted central channel, reducing the risk of confrontations between Iranian and Western forces. Importantly, the agreement would not impose tolls or fees on passing ships during the initial phase, a concession that eased some of Iran’s concerns. The deal also includes provisions to clear naval mines from the central lane within 30 days, after which the corridor could be opened permanently under a separate agreement between Iran and Oman. While this would grant Iran more control over maritime traffic, it falls short of its earlier demands for mandatory fees from transiting vessels. The agreement is designed to stabilize the region and pave the way for broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, aligning with the two-phase strategy recently outlined by Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Behind the scenes, the White House played an active role in facilitating the talks. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, engaged in multiple calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi in recent days. Araghchi had already approved the framework in principle, though final approval required endorsement from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, and the Supreme National Security Council. Regional sources confirmed that these approvals were finalized on Tuesday, placing Iran’s formal consent just days after Trump canceled a planned military strike to support the diplomatic initiative. As the deadline for the announcement approaches, the focus remains on whether the agreement will hold and whether it can serve as a foundation for long-term stability in the region. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining a focal point of geopolitical tension, the success of this interim deal could significantly influence the trajectory of U.S.-Iran relations in the coming weeks.