United States President, Donald Trump, said Friday that recent developments involving Iran were encouraging, but cautioned that a temporary ceasefire could collapse if no long-term agreement is reached by Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from Phoenix, Arizona, Trump said, “We had some pretty good news 20 minutes ago, but it seems to be going very well in the Middle East with Iran.”
Pressed for details about the development, Trump declined to elaborate, stating, “You’ll hear about. I just think it should happen. It’s something that only makes sense to happen. And I think it will. We’ll see what happens, but I think it will.”
The president also warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. He indicated that both the United States and Israel were prepared to restart strikes on Iran, while maintaining pressure through a blockade. “Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade (on Iranian ports) is going to remain,” Trump told reporters. “So you have a blockade, and unfortunately, we have to start dropping bombs again.”
A report by CNN indicated that talks between US and Iranian officials are expected to continue on Monday, although a location has not yet been finalized. The report noted that neither Washington nor Tehran has officially confirmed the negotiations, aside from Trump’s remarks suggesting “good progress.”
However, uncertainty remains over the actual state of discussions. Iranian authorities have rejected several of Trump’s recent claims, including assertions that Tehran agreed to hand over its enriched uranium. There has also been disagreement over maritime access, with Iranian officials disputing Trump’s statement that the Strait of Hormuz is open to “all ships.” According to Tehran, vessels must coordinate passage with Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps via designated secure routes.
