Donald J. Trump said a powerful diplomatic deal with Iran could be reached within hours or a few days.
The statements highlight a strategy of economic pressure over direct military engagement to force concessions from Tehran. By focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, the approach targets the primary artery for Iranian oil exports.
Trump said the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has been much stronger than bombing operations in Iran [1]. He said the Iranian economy is suffering as a result of these pressures [1].
Regarding the potential for a diplomatic resolution, Trump said, "We should be able to do it in one hour. I don't think there are any sticking points. We're very close to having a very good, strong, powerful deal" [2]. He said a deal could be finalized within one hour [2] or within two to three days [2].
Trump contrasted this economic approach with the prospect of direct military strikes. He said that if the U.S. spent another two or three weeks bombing, the Iranians would have nothing left whatsoever, but cautioned that such an action would keep the Strait closed for months [3].
According to Trump, the current blockade is intended to pressure Iran economically while avoiding a prolonged bombing campaign that would lead to civilian casualties [1, 2]. He said that once a deal is reached, the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened [2].
“"We're very close to having a very good, strong, powerful deal."”
This strategy leverages the geographic vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz to create economic leverage. By prioritizing a blockade over aerial bombardment, the approach seeks to avoid the immediate humanitarian fallout of war while maximizing the financial strain on the Iranian government to accelerate a diplomatic agreement.
