US Optimistic Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Will Be Reached Tomorrow

The United States has expressed optimism that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached imminently, possibly as early as Tuesday or Wednesday local time. The hope comes just hours after a cargo ship was targeted in the vital waterway. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC there is a significant chance an agreement could be reached within hours, reinforcing President Donald Trump’s earlier prediction that the global oil supply route could be reopened on Tuesday. Speaking from the White House, Trump maintained his characteristic diplomatic style, blending high optimism with stark warnings, cautioning Tehran that this was a last opportunity before decapitation of the power structure.

Armed tensions between Tehran and Washington erupted on 28 February, triggered by a surprise US and Israeli strike on Iran. Despite a temporary ceasefire and preliminary agreements, diplomatic efforts over the past five months have repeatedly stalled. The Strait of Hormuz remains the central flashpoint, with Iran seeking to maintain full control and impose transit tolls, a prerogative it never exercised before the war and which the United States firmly opposes. Trump had threatened to strike Iranian civilian infrastructure last week but later softened his stance, stating that the parameters of a deal were beginning to take shape. He also indicated a willingness to continue talks at the request of regional nations including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

While Trump insists communication is ongoing, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has denied any direct negotiations with Washington. Qatar, acting as a mediator, confirmed that diplomatic efforts are continuing but stated there are no plans for a direct meeting between Iranian and US officials. Trump has downplayed the complexity of the issue, focusing primarily on the immediate reopening of Hormuz, while acknowledging that the issue of Iran’s denuclearisation will take considerably longer. Meanwhile, he continues to apply pressure through a port blockade, declaring on social media that nothing enters Iran without US permission and that nothing will pass unless a deal or total surrender is achieved.

Amid the diplomatic push, the situation on the ground remains perilous. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a cargo ship was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman on Tuesday morning, with authorities still investigating the extent of damage and casualties. Iran continues to enforce an effective blockade of the strait, requiring vessels to coordinate with its forces and follow routes close to the Iranian coast, forcing many commercial ships to take a southern route nearer to Omani waters to avoid risk. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Tehran is negotiating a new route with Muscat but stressed the talks are unrelated to reopening the Strait of Hormuz as demanded by the US.