Trump signals Iran deal is near as Strait of Hormuz reopens
QWER
President Donald Trump is expressing optimism about a potential peace deal with Iran.
"The Iranians want to meet. They want to make a deal," Trump told Axios on Friday. "I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend. I think we will get a deal in the next day or two.
Trump's comments followed Iran's decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said the reopening was due to the announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
The passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said.
He added that vessels will be allowed to transit along the coordinated route as already announced by Irans Ports and Maritime Organization.
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The U.S. had implemented a naval blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait. Trump suggested on Friday that the blockade would remain in place until the U.S. and Iran reach a deal to end the war.
"THIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED," he stated.
However, Trump's decision is already getting pushback from Iran, which says the blockade is considered a violation of the ceasefire, noting it will take "countermeasures" if it continues.
Iran has maintained a stranglehold on the vital waterway in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks that were initially launched on Feb. 28.
About 20% of the worlds fuel supply passes through the Strait. Its closure drove up global fuel prices. However, they fell sharply after Fridays announcement.
