Tehran warned on Saturday that it could once again shut down the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports. This warning came just hours after Iran announced it had reopened the crucial waterway following a ceasefire in Lebanon.
The possibility of resumed shipping had already boosted global stock markets on Friday and raised optimism in Washington. Donald Trump told AFP that a broader peace agreement between the United States and Iran was “very close,” adding that Tehran had agreed to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium — a major issue in negotiations.
Speaking at an event in Arizona, Trump said, “We’re going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators.”
However, Iran rejected this claim, insisting its enriched uranium reserves would not be surrendered. It also warned that if U.S. naval forces continued intercepting vessels from Iranian ports, the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global trade route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes — could be shut again.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated on X that the waterway would not remain open if the blockade persisted, adding that ships would need Iran’s approval to pass through.
Similarly, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described the blockade as a violation of the temporary ceasefire agreement with Washington, warning that Iran would respond appropriately.
The U.S. military has already turned back 21 vessels since the blockade began, according to United States Central Command, which also shared images of a guided-missile destroyer patrolling the Arabian Sea.
Despite rising tensions, Trump described the day’s developments as “great and brilliant,” praising Pakistan and Gulf allies for mediating the talks. Pakistani leaders, who facilitated recent face-to-face discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad, urged both sides to finalize a peace agreement.
Trump reiterated in a phone interview that a deal was near, claiming there were “no sticking points” left. He even suggested he might travel to Pakistan to sign an agreement, following earlier talks involving Vice President JD Vance.
However, uncertainty remains. Trump said the U.S. naval blockade would continue if no deal is reached, though he hinted at possibly extending the ceasefire beyond its scheduled end on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, oil prices fell further as hopes of a diplomatic resolution grew. The U.S. also issued a waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil already at sea, which could increase global supply and lower prices.
The ceasefire in Lebanon, which began Friday, has allowed displaced families to start returning home, particularly in southern Beirut and other affected areas.
One resident, Amani Atrash, expressed relief and hope that the ceasefire would last. The conflict in Lebanon began on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel following the outbreak of a wider regional war and in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Trump stated that Israel had been restrained from further strikes and that the U.S. would work with Lebanon to address the Hezbollah issue appropriately. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that military operations against Hezbollah were not yet complete, emphasizing the goal of dismantling the group.
Hezbollah, in turn, said it remains ready to respond to any violations by Israel.