WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States is “very close” to reaching a permanent deal with Iran to end their conflict, as a two-week ceasefire between the two countries nears its expiration.
Trump made the comments to reporters outside the White House before departing for Las Vegas. He also posted on Truth Social that the Strait of Hormuz is “COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS,” while stating that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in full force until a final agreement is reached.
The remarks came hours after a separate U.S.-backed 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight local time on Friday, officials said. The Iran-related ceasefire, agreed on April 8, was intended to allow time for negotiations toward a longer-term settlement.
Trump told reporters that Iran has agreed to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium, a key issue in the talks, and that “there’s a very good chance we’re going to make a deal.” He added that the U.S. is “getting along very well with the new Iranian leaders,” according to multiple reports of his statements.
The conflict escalated in late February when the U.S. and Israel conducted strikes on Iranian targets. Iran responded with missile attacks. A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 7 after Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass. Direct talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, earlier this month did not yield a final agreement.
Iranian officials have not issued an immediate public response to Trump’s latest comments. The Iranian foreign minister posted on X that the strait is “declared completely open” in line with the ceasefire terms.
Trump has indicated that a second round of talks could resume as early as this weekend. He has previously said the U.S. would extend the ceasefire if progress is made but warned that fighting could resume if no deal is reached.
As of Friday, the two-week ceasefire remained in effect, with the U.S. naval blockade continuing outside the strait. No date has been confirmed for potential new negotiations. Details of the proposed permanent deal, including any provisions on Iran’s nuclear program or sanctions relief, were not fully disclosed.
The situation in the region remained fluid, with officials from both sides and mediators continuing to monitor compliance with existing pauses in hostilities.
