US-Iran War Live Updates: Trump says time is on US side in Iran talks, keeps naval blockade, seeks deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz, backs Israeli freedom of action as Iran demands sanctions relief and rights.
He insisted the US naval blockade against Iran would remain in “full force and effect” until a final agreement is reached, certified, and signed. Trump said Washington and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding that could eventually reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This critical global oil shipping corridor has remained effectively shut since the conflict erupted on February 28.
Trump said he had instructed US negotiators “not to rush into a deal,” while portraying the emerging agreement as “the exact opposite” of the Obama-era Iran nuclear accord, arguing it would prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump during a phone call that Israel would maintain “freedom of action” against threats across the region, including in Lebanon, according to an Israeli source quoted by Reuters. Trump reportedly backed the position, signaling that Israeli military operations may continue even if Washington reaches an understanding with Tehran.
Iran, meanwhile, has continued to raise sweeping demands publicly. An Iranian diplomat said any agreement that does not guarantee sanctions relief, sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, access to frozen assets, recognition of enrichment rights, and wider regional concessions from Washington would amount to “pure damage” for Tehran.
Notably, Iran reportedly issued passage permits for 33 commercial vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, through the Strait of Hormuz by Sunday night.
Follow along for latest on the war in West Asia.
