U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran has formally requested a ceasefire (CEASEFIRE). However, Trump did not immediately agree, instead laying out a clear condition: the Strait of Hormuz must be fully reopened before the U.S. considers halting hostilities. Until then, the U.S. military will keep bombing, threatening to send Iran "back to the Stone Age."
First Positive Remarks on Iran's New Leader, Firm Ceasefire Precondition
In his post, Trump acknowledged that Iran's current president, Masoud Pezeshkian, is "less radical and much smarter" than his predecessor. He confirmed that Tehran had formally asked for a ceasefire, but he set a non-negotiable line: "We will only consider it when the Strait of Hormuz is open, free, and unobstructed."
Maximum Pressure: No Reopening, No Let-Up
Trump delivered his threat in characteristically blunt language. He warned that until the strait is operational, the U.S. offensive would continue: "Before that, we will bomb Iran to oblivion, or as they say, back to the Stone Age!!!"
The statement offers a concrete "deal point" for weeks of escalating military confrontation. The world now watches whether Iran will accept full reopening of the vital energy chokepoint as a ceasefire trigger. A deal could de-escalate the 2026 mid-year crisis; rejection would mean sustained airstrikes.
Analysts note that Trump's public social-media demand serves dual purposes: responding to Iran's tentative peace feelers while reassuring domestic hawks and international allies. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global oil shipments, so its status directly impacts crude prices and supply chains. Iran's acceptance would mean ending its blockade or threats against the strait; refusal invites continued bombardment.