U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) said she is optimistic that President Donald Trump will secure a nuclear agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The resolution of this conflict is critical for global trade, as the Strait of Hormuz serves as a primary artery for commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf. A successful pact would end Iran's nuclear escalation and restore safe passage for vessels.
Speaking during a NewsNation program in May 2026, Capito said she believes the administration can clinch a deal that addresses both nuclear concerns and maritime security. The effort comes as U.S. officials pursue a strategy to end the current escalation and stabilize the region.
The maritime conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has lasted nearly three months [2]. This instability has led to varying reports on the U.S. approach to pressuring the Iranian government. Some reports indicate that the deal to reopen the waterway is largely negotiated and is being handled through diplomatic channels.
Other accounts describe a more aggressive timeline. According to some reports, President Trump gave Iran a 48-hour deadline [1] to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face new military strikes. These conflicting reports highlight the tension between the administration's diplomatic negotiations and its willingness to use force to ensure the flow of commerce.
U.S. officials remain focused on a comprehensive deal to end the war and restore stability to the shipping lanes. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the region returns to a state of diplomatic cooperation, or faces further military escalation.
“The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has lasted nearly three months.”
The duality of the U.S. strategy—combining high-level diplomatic negotiations for a nuclear pact with strict military deadlines—reflects an attempt to leverage maximum pressure to achieve a rapid reopening of a critical global oil chokepoint. If a deal is reached, it could significantly lower global energy price volatility; however, the short deadlines increase the risk of accidental escalation if diplomacy fails.
