President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning said an Iranian request for "a ceasefire" will be considered "when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear."
In a forceful Truth Social post hours before an evening address to the nation, Trump signaled both a willingness to negotiate and a continued hard-line stance against Tehran, tying any potential ceasefire directly to the reopening of the critical global shipping lane.
"Iran's New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!" Trump wrote.
"We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!"
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy markets, has been effectively shut down amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, sending oil prices surging and rattling economies worldwide.
Trump has repeatedly made clear that restoring free passage through the strait is a nonnegotiable priority.
Trump is scheduled to address the nation Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, offering what the White House described as an "important update on Iran" as the conflict enters a decisive phase.
Officials have suggested the coming days could determine whether the war winds down or escalates further.
According to multiple reports, Trump believes the U.S. has already achieved key military objectives, including significantly degrading Iran's missile capabilities and military infrastructure.
He has said the conflict could end within "two weeks, maybe three," raising the possibility of a swift conclusion if conditions are met.
At the same time, the administration has maintained significant military pressure on Iran.
Hundreds of U.S. Special Operations Forces — including elite Navy SEALs and Army Rangers — have been deployed to the region, alongside Marines and paratroopers, providing Trump with a range of options should negotiations fail.
Department of War officials have reportedly explored potential operations targeting Iran's nuclear assets and oil export infrastructure, including Kharg Island, a key hub for Tehran's energy industry.
Trump has also underscored a broader shift in U.S. policy, signaling that allies who rely on Middle Eastern oil should take greater responsibility for securing their own supply routes.
"All I have to do is leave Iran … and we'll be doing that very soon," Trump said Tuesday, Axios reported, suggesting that U.S. involvement in the region could wind down once objectives are achieved.
Despite Iran publicly denying formal negotiations, officials on both sides have acknowledged indirect communications through intermediaries, fueling speculation that a deal could be within reach.
Still, Trump's latest remarks make clear that any agreement will come on American terms, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz serving as a key benchmark.
As energy markets remain volatile and tensions high, Trump's dual-track approach — combining military strength with conditional diplomacy — reflects a strategy aimed at forcing concessions while avoiding a prolonged conflict.
Trump's address Wednesday night is expected to provide further clarity on whether a ceasefire is imminent or whether the U.S. will intensify operations to secure a decisive outcome.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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