Trump Warns Iran: Accept Deal Now or Face Intense Bombing, Hormuz Will Open Either Way

Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, urging it to accept a proposed deal aimed at ending ongoing hostilities or face intensified military action. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that acceptance of the agreement would lead to the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to all countries, including Iran, while rejection could result in renewed bombing at a “much higher level and intensity.”

The statement comes amid reports that the United States and Iran are moving closer to a potential understanding to de-escalate tensions. According to Axios, both sides are working toward a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) that could lay the groundwork for ending the conflict and initiating broader nuclear negotiations. The report indicated that Washington is expecting a response from Tehran within 48 hours on key aspects of the proposal.

The proposed framework reportedly includes a temporary moratorium by Iran on nuclear enrichment activities, coupled with commitments from the United States to ease sanctions and release frozen Iranian funds. In addition, both sides are expected to relax restrictions on maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint that has been significantly disrupted in recent months, affecting nearly one-fifth of global seaborne oil trade.

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Negotiations are said to involve senior US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, engaging with Iranian officials both directly and through intermediaries. Potential venues for continued talks include neutral locations such as Islamabad or Geneva. The draft agreement, reportedly consisting of 14 points, is described as the closest the two nations have come to a deal since the escalation of hostilities.

If finalised, the memorandum would formally declare an end to active conflict and initiate a 30-day window for negotiating a more comprehensive agreement. During this period, both sides would begin gradually lifting restrictions, including the US naval blockade and Iran’s shipping controls, as part of confidence-building measures designed to stabilise the situation.

However, the proposal also includes provisions for a rollback if negotiations fail. Reports suggest that the United States would retain the option to reinstate the blockade or resume military action should talks collapse. As developments continue to unfold, the situation remains fluid, with global markets and geopolitical observers closely monitoring signals from both Washington and Tehran.

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