Trump signals imminent Hormuz deal as Iran mocks US ‘Theater Diplomacy’
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, mocked the shifting deadlines, accusing Washington of using threats and pressure as negotiating tactics.
US President Donald Trump says an agreement with Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz could be reached soon, even as Tehran denies that direct talks with Washington have taken place in recent days.
Speaking at the Oval Office on Thursday, August 6, 2026, President Trump said he was personally involved in negotiations and believed discussions were progressing. He added that the United States would maintain its blockade of Iranian ports until an agreement is reached.
“We’re doing very well. I’m involved in the negotiation. I think we’re doing fine. It could be soon,” Trump said.
Trump has repeatedly predicted an imminent deal. On Saturday, he called off a major offensive against Iranian energy facilities after claiming Middle East mediators had assured him that an agreement was close. He subsequently suggested the deal could be signed on Tuesday, then Wednesday or Thursday.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, mocked the shifting deadlines, accusing Washington of using threats and pressure as negotiating tactics.
“‘Massive attack coming… wait, never mind, they want to negotiate.’ That’s theater diplomacy on loop,” Ghalibaf wrote, arguing that intimidation and what he described as broken promises would not produce an agreement.
Iran said Wednesday that no direct US-Iran talks had been held recently but indicated it was finalising an arrangement with Oman that could restore a ceasefire and ease tensions around Hormuz.
Officials briefed on the discussions said the proposed agreement would initially last 60 days, allowing ships safe passage through the strait without tolls. The arrangement could be extended by mutual consent.
Under the proposal, vessels would enter the waterway through a route controlled by Iran and exit through an Omani-controlled passage, giving Tehran a measure of influence over shipping through the strategic chokepoint.
Trump also said he believed the war could end soon, while insisting the United States remained well supplied with missiles despite reports of pressure on American interceptor stocks.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route, making any prolonged disruption a major threat to international oil supplies and prices.
