Trump To Make Final Decision On Iran Ceasefire Extension & Strait Of Hormuz Reopening

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will soon decide on the extension of the ceasefire with Iran for another 60 days so that negotiations can be worked out to end the conflict permanently.

He would also decide on the status of the Hormuz Strait, though the two countries appear to differ on major issues central to the war.

A senior White House Official told the media that the meeting lasted for 2 hours, but did not reveal if a decision was made.

“President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines. Iran ​can never possess a nuclear weapon,” the official said.

An Iranian source said that the agreement was close but had not been approved yet.

Trump has reiterated that Iran will have to end its chokehold on Hormuz and give up the dream of possessing nuclear weapons, both conditions which Tehran is not ready to give up.

He added that the Hormuz Strait should be opened to usual commercial traffic immediately without the imposition of tolls by Iran’s newly formed authority to control the strategic waterway, which the U.S. has placed under sanctions.

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, citing sources, said Trump’s comments were an “attempt to portray a fabricated victory.”

An Iranian official said that the potential deal does not include nuclear-related issues and
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on state ​TV that the management of the strait will be decided by Iran and Oman.

He also added that the Strait will reopen only under the conditions set by Iran after the U.S. lifts the blockade of Iranian Ports.

The Iranian news agency also said that there was an agreement to release $12 billion of Iran’s frozen funds.

Trump, on the other hand, said that money will not be exchanged ‘until further notice’, referring to toll fees in the Hormuz, war damage reparations or the release of frozen funds.

Trump is facing immense pressure to reopen Hormuz and get gasoline prices down in the U.S ahead of the congressional elections in November.

Simultaneously, he might face a backlash from some of his party members over concessions towards Iran.
Amidst the confusion, Kazakhstan has expressed willingness to take Tehran’s uranium stockpile of highly enriched uranium if a deal is reached.

Kazakhstan has a uranium bank to ensure sufficient fuel is available for power stations in International Atomic Energy Agency member states.