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In a separate statement, Trump pivoted from diplomacy to deterrence, announcing a bold military step involving one of the world’s most strategic waterways—the Strait of Hormuz. The president declared that the U.S. Navy would “begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave” the critical passage.
Trump framed the move as a response to Iran’s prior actions in the region, accusing the regime of using the strait as leverage against the global economy. He described those past disruptions as “WORLD EXTORTION,” saying they caused “anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and Countries throughout the World.”
The proposed blockade would go even further, targeting vessels that had allegedly paid tolls to Tehran for safe passage. Trump made clear that the United States intends to end what he sees as Iran’s exploitation of international shipping lanes, adding that U.S. forces are “fully ‘LOCKED AND LOADED’” and ready to escalate if necessary.
Behind the scenes, Trump revealed that the negotiations led by Vance were intense and extended deep into the night. The discussions reportedly lasted “close to 20 hours,” underscoring the seriousness of the diplomatic push. While U.S. negotiators showed some willingness to compromise on secondary matters, Trump stressed that America’s stance on nuclear weapons remains firm and non-negotiable.
During an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, Trump offered additional insight into the tone and trajectory of the talks. He described the final stages of the discussions as “very friendly,” suggesting that lines of communication remain open despite the major disagreement.
According to Trump, the U.S. delegation walked away with significant concessions on multiple fronts. However, Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear program continues to block any comprehensive agreement. Even so, Trump expressed confidence that negotiations are not over.
“I predict they come back and they give us everything we want,” Trump said, signaling his belief that pressure tactics—including military readiness—could ultimately force Tehran to yield.
The president also underscored America’s overwhelming military capability, stating that the U.S. could “take out Iran in one day” or cripple its energy infrastructure if diplomacy fails. At the same time, he reiterated that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would serve as an immediate measure to ensure open navigation and prevent Iran from profiting off maritime traffic.
Trump acknowledged that putting such a blockade into action would not happen overnight, noting it would “take a little while” to fully implement. Still, the objective remains clear: guarantee free movement of ships while denying Iran the ability to impose what he views as unlawful tolls.
Notably, Trump did not go into detail about the specific issues that were resolved during the talks. Questions remain about what concessions may have been made on economic, territorial, or broader security concerns. For now, the focus appears squarely on the unresolved nuclear dispute—a flashpoint that could determine whether the situation moves toward peace or further confrontation.
