The U.S. President has pledged to take decisive action against Iran until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, even though Tehran has indicated a willingness to de-escalate the conflict.
In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump stated that Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, had requested a ceasefire, describing him as “much less radicalised and far more intelligent than his predecessors.”
On Wednesday, Trump wrote on social media: “Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalised and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!
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!!! President DJT.”
These comments come amid fragile diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, following Trump’s suspension of combat operations to allow talks to move forward. The deadline for negotiations, initially set earlier this year, has now been extended for a second time to April 6.
In his statement, Trump said, “As per the Iranian government’s request, I am pausing the period of energy plant destruction for 10 days. Talks are ongoing, and they are progressing very well.”
Meanwhile, Pezeshkian has indicated that Iran is ready to end the conflict but only under strict conditions. After a phone call with António Costa, he stated, “We possess the necessary will to end this conflict, provided that essential conditions are met, including the guarantees needed to prevent further aggression.”
This exchange highlights the delicate balance between military pressure and diplomacy, with both sides seeking leverage while signalling their openness to a negotiated outcome.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue. This waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies typically pass, has effectively been closed since hostilities have escalated, resulting in sharp increases in energy prices and raising concerns about global supply chains.
While the pause in military operations may provide an opportunity for diplomacy, uncertainty remains over whether the talks can achieve a lasting resolution or merely postpone further escalation in a conflict that is already reshaping global energy markets and geopolitical alliances.
