US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Iran had reached out to Washington seeking talks, expressing optimism that the next 48 hours would reveal whether a diplomatic breakthrough is possible after months of escalating military tensions in the Middle East. His remarks come as negotiations over reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz appear to be gathering pace, even as uncertainty continues over the shape of any final agreement.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the United States was making "very good progress" with Iran and suggested that Tehran had initiated contact. "Iran has reached out. They want to talk," he said, adding that "the next 48 hours" would determine whether the discussions translate into a concrete deal. While he did not disclose details of the reported outreach, Trump indicated that developments over the coming days would provide greater clarity on the future of negotiations.
Hormuz deal takes centre stage
Trump's comments coincided with reports that Iran and Oman have moved closer to a draft agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of global oil trade normally passes. According to reports, negotiators have finalised a framework that would create designated shipping corridors through Iranian and Omani waters while discussions continue over issues such as maritime security arrangements and transit fees. However, officials familiar with the negotiations cautioned that the proposal still requires approval from Iran's leadership and that several key provisions remain unresolved.
The proposed arrangement could significantly reshape maritime operations in one of the world's busiest energy corridors. Iranian sources have reportedly sought authority over inbound traffic and proposed charging security-related transit fees, while the United States has insisted that commercial navigation should remain free of mandatory charges.
Iran has disputed earlier claims
Trump's latest assertion follows a pattern of public statements by the US President claiming progress in negotiations, many of which have been rejected by Tehran. Earlier this week, Trump said new talks with Iran were imminent and described them as Tehran's "last chance" to reach an agreement. Iran, however, denied that any direct negotiations were underway, with its Foreign Ministry insisting that no talks had been scheduled or initiated.
The conflicting narratives have fuelled uncertainty over the true state of diplomacy between the two adversaries, particularly after months of military confrontation and repeated exchanges of threats.
Regional tensions remain elevated
Despite signs of diplomatic engagement, the security situation across the region remains fragile. Attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea have continued, including strikes on Saudi and Indian-linked ships, while sporadic violence has also persisted along the Israel-Lebanon border. The ongoing instability has kept oil markets on edge, with crude prices remaining sensitive to developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts say that even if a temporary agreement is reached, it is unlikely to resolve the broader strategic disputes between Washington and Tehran over regional security, sanctions and Iran's military posture.
Focus shifts to next 48 hours
Trump maintained that the coming two days would be critical in determining whether diplomacy can replace confrontation. While no formal announcement has been made by either side, the reported progress has raised expectations that negotiations could soon produce the first significant breakthrough since the conflict escalated earlier this year.
Whether those expectations materialise, however, will depend not only on the technical details of the Hormuz agreement but also on whether both sides can bridge deep political and strategic differences that have repeatedly derailed previous attempts at dialogue.