President Donald Trump is expressing optimism that the United States could be nearing a deal with Iran soon, despite recent threats on social media. This comes after the U.S. military fired on an Iranian oil tanker off the country’s coast Wednesday, disabling the ship as it attempted to bypass the American blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Trump told reporters, “They want to make a deal. We’ve had very good talks over the last 24 hours and it’s very possible that we’ll make a deal.”Iran’s Supreme Leader said last week that the country will not give up its nuclear and missile capabilities, a stance the White House has considered a nonstarter for negotiations.According to Axios, the White House believes it is close to an agreement based on a one-page memorandum it sent Iran to end the war. The document reportedly includes a moratorium on Iran’s uranium enrichment, lifting U.S. sanctions, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. In a phone call with PBS Wednesday, Trump said it was possible a deal could be struck before his trip to China next week where he’s expected to meet face-to-face with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, hours later he told reporters there is no deadline for reaching an agreement. These comments are a stark contrast to what Trump posted on social media earlier in the day when he said if Iran doesn’t reach an agreement, “the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.” On Tuesday, Trump rolled back “Project Freedom,” less than 48 hours after announcing the plan that started on Monday to help guide stranded ships in the Strait of Hormuz, saying finalizing a peace agreement with Iran is a bigger priority. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday, “We expect an agreement sooner rather than later.” Andrabi would not comment on a timeline regarding diplomatic efforts but said, “We remain positive, we remain optimist, and we hope the settlement will be soon rather than later.”A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Tehran strongly rejects the U.S. proposals outlined in the memorandum but added that it is still examining the latest offer.Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:

WASHINGTON —

President Donald Trump is expressing optimism that the United States could be nearing a deal with Iran soon, despite recent threats on social media.

This comes after the U.S. military fired on an Iranian oil tanker off the country’s coast Wednesday, disabling the ship as it attempted to bypass the American blockade of Iranian ports.

Meanwhile, Trump told reporters, “They want to make a deal. We’ve had very good talks over the last 24 hours and it’s very possible that we’ll make a deal.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader said last week that the country will not give up its nuclear and missile capabilities, a stance the White House has considered a nonstarter for negotiations.

According to Axios, the White House believes it is close to an agreement based on a one-page memorandum it sent Iran to end the war. The document reportedly includes a moratorium on Iran’s uranium enrichment, lifting U.S. sanctions, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In a phone call with PBS Wednesday, Trump said it was possible a deal could be struck before his trip to China next week where he’s expected to meet face-to-face with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, hours later he told reporters there is no deadline for reaching an agreement.

These comments are a stark contrast to what Trump posted on social media earlier in the day when he said if Iran doesn’t reach an agreement, “the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”

On Tuesday, Trump rolled back “Project Freedom,” less than 48 hours after announcing the plan that started on Monday to help guide stranded ships in the Strait of Hormuz, saying finalizing a peace agreement with Iran is a bigger priority.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday, “We expect an agreement sooner rather than later.”

Andrabi would not comment on a timeline regarding diplomatic efforts but said, “We remain positive, we remain optimist, and we hope the settlement will be soon rather than later.”

A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Tehran strongly rejects the U.S. proposals outlined in the memorandum but added that it is still examining the latest offer.

Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau: