Trump warns Iran to open Hormuz or get ‘hit very hard’

US President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that Iran would face severe consequences unless the strategic Strait of Hormuz was reopened promptly, in an interview with Fox News. Trump implied that ongoing talks, including those between the US, Iran, and Oman, aimed at reaching an interim deal to reopen the crucial waterway. The US administration hopes to announce the deal by Wednesday.

Trump vowed that "the strait will be open very soon, or they're going to get hit very hard - and then the strait's going to be open" during a visit to California. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical pathway for global oil and gas supplies, has been a source of tension, leading to multiple conflicts. Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions, stating that Iran was eager to resolve the ongoing conflict that began on February 28 with US and Israeli airstrikes.

Trump emphasized that the key factor was action, and Iran was keen on reaching a deal. Axios reported, citing unnamed regional officials and a US official, that the deal under consideration would allow safe passage through the strait between Iran and Oman for a period of 60 days, potentially leading to an extension. This arrangement would involve rerouting all traffic heading into the Gulf through a northern shipping lane, while outbound traffic would utilize a southern route via Oman's territorial waters.