US President Donald Trump says the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East may open within one or two days. His comment comes as Iran has indicated that it plans to announce the establishment of new shipping routes through the waterway with neighboring Oman.
Attention is focused on how the US will react to what Iran announces about the new routes.
In response to Iran’s announcement of the closure of the strait, the US has been blockading nearby waters. Attacks on vessels and other tensions continue.
On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei commented on the negotiations that have been carried out with Oman, which is located on the opposite side of the strait. Baghaei said the talks are showing progress. He also said that they are working to establish the necessary framework to manage the future passage of shipping and an announcement is planned once the negotiations wrap up.
Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the strait could open on Wednesday or Thursday. He also said, “A lot of progress has been made.”
In an interview with Fox News broadcast on Tuesday, Trump suggested there is a possibility he will take further military action against Iran if the country does not engage in negotiations.