Trump says US-Iran talks progressing, warns of military strike if Strait of Hormuz stays closed

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are going well and warned that Washington would deliver a hard military strike if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the threat is intended to directly pressure the Iranian government to restore the flow of energy through the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Trump's comments came amid the ongoing dispute between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program and broader regional tensions. The United States has repeatedly raised concerns in recent months about Iran's uranium enrichment capacity. Iran has reportedly expanded its military presence around the Strait of Hormuz, and the United States has reinforced its naval deployments in the region in response. Trump stressed that diplomacy remains an option to secure passage through the strait, but said the military track would be pursued if Iran continues to block shipping. A White House spokesperson said further questions on the matter would be addressed in the coming days. No additional details were immediately available on the timing of any potential military action or the next round of talks.