Trump and Tehran trade warnings as Strait of Hormuz negotiations continue

US President Donald Trump stated that talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz are progressing and predicted the vital waterway could reopen "very soon," while warning that Iran will be struck "very strongly" if an agreement fails to materialize. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also pointed to diplomatic progress in discussions involving Oman.

In contrast, Iranian authorities reaffirmed that the strait will remain closed until Washington lifts sanctions on petroleum exports, unfreezes assets, and ceases military operations in the region. Although Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei confirmed a technical agreement with Oman on a secure maritime corridor, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders announced updates to their defense doctrine and promised "strategic surprises" should the confrontation escalate.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)