Trump offers mixed signals on Hormuz talks as Iran demands concessions

U.S. President Donald Trump offered mixed assessments regarding negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting an agreement could be reached imminently while downplaying the situation's urgency as "a chess game." U.S. officials acknowledged progress in Omani-led diplomatic talks with Tehran, though a final deal has not been completed.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that negotiations with Oman are in their final stages. However, Tehran reiterated that reopening the strategic waterway remains contingent on major U.S. concessions, including sanction relief, war reparations, and an end to military threats.

In related developments, Israel and Lebanon initiated a seventh round of talks in Rome while an estimated 800,000 displaced Lebanese citizens began returning south. Off the Yemeni coast, an Indian commercial vessel was reportedly struck and sunk.

Sources: Avaz, CDM, Dan, Klix, Vijesti