After convening his national security team for a briefing on the latest Iran situation, U.S. President Donald Trump stopped short of authorizing new military strikes and instead signaled he would give diplomatic negotiations “more time,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Multiple U.S. officials said Trump stressed that military action remains a “reserved option” not the only course.
Iran Puts Hormuz Strait on the Table
Iran responded with a concrete counteroffer. Saudi outlet Alhadath reported that Tehran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most vital oil chokepoint, as a condition for talks with Washington. Tehran also demanded that before any formal deal is signed, two issues take priority: the lifting of U.S. economic sanctions and the return of frozen Iranian assets.
The Strait of Hormuz handles over 30 million barrels of oil per day — roughly 20% of global petroleum trade — making it Iran’s strongest bargaining chip. The diplomatic window remains open, but positions are still far apart.