Trump Asserts No Rush for Iran Deal, US Blockade Remains in Effect
US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he has instructed his representatives not to hasten any agreement with Iran, as his administration tempered expectations for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict that has persisted for three months. This announcement comes amid rising tensions and complex negotiations surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil shipments.
US Blockade Remains Firm
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the US blockade on Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz would “remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.” He urged both parties to take their time to ensure a comprehensive deal. This statement reflects the administration’s cautious approach as it navigates the intricacies of international diplomacy.
Iran’s government has not yet issued a response to Trump’s comments. However, the Tasnim news agency, affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, reported that the US continues to hinder aspects of a potential agreement, particularly concerning Tehran’s demand for the release of frozen assets.
Negotiations on the Horizon
Just a day prior, Trump indicated that Washington and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing a peace deal that would facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is vital, as it previously accounted for one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
The ongoing conflict, which began on February 28, has significantly impacted US energy prices, contributing to a decline in Trump’s approval ratings. A fragile ceasefire has been in effect since early April, but several contentious issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia.
Unresolved Practical Considerations
A senior official from the Trump administration informed reporters that no agreement would be finalized on Sunday, citing the slow pace of the Iranian system. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, outlined the latest developments in the negotiations. He mentioned that Iran had tentatively agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade and addressing Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile.
The official noted that the US believes Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has endorsed the general framework of the proposed deal. However, there has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding what an “in principle” agreement entails.
The US aims to first reopen the strait and lift the blockade, which would alleviate economic pressures on the global market. Subsequently, negotiations would focus on the mechanisms for Iran to relinquish portions of its nuclear program, with potential time limits considered.
Iran’s Position on Hormuz Management
An Iranian military adviser to Khamenei asserted that Tehran possesses the legal right to manage the Strait of Hormuz, although it remains unclear whether this includes control over which vessels are permitted to transit. The Revolutionary Guards reported that 33 ships passed through the strait in the last 24 hours, following approval from Tehran, a significant decrease from the typical 140 vessels per day prior to the conflict.
While any agreement reinforcing the current ceasefire could provide some relief to global markets, it is unlikely to resolve the ongoing energy crisis that has escalated fuel, fertilizer, and food prices. Experts predict that even if hostilities cease immediately, full shipping flows through the strait may not resume until the first or second quarter of 2027.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with US-Israeli military actions reportedly causing thousands of deaths in Iran before a temporary halt in early April. Additionally, Israel’s military operations in Lebanon have displaced hundreds of thousands and resulted in further fatalities, while Iranian strikes on Israel and neighboring Gulf states have also claimed lives.
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Published on 2026-05-23 16:44:00 • By the Editorial Desk
