Trump says war could end if Iran accepts proposed agreement

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran could come to an end if Tehran accepts what has already been agreed, while also saying the Strait of Hormuz could reopen under such an arrangement.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran.

He also warned that if Iran does not accept the proposal, military action would intensify. In the same post, Trump said, If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.

Pause in escort operation

Earlier, Trump said he would briefly halt an operation aimed at helping escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He cited what he described as great progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran, as well as the request of Pakistan and other Countries.

In another Truth Social post, Trump wrote, Based on the request of Pakistan and other countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the campaign..Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran.

Hours before that, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had described the effort that began on Monday to escort stranded tankers out of the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed since the conflict began, disrupting about 20% of global oil supplies and triggering an international energy crisis.

Axios report on memorandum

Axios reported Wednesday, citing two US officials, that the White House believes it is nearing an agreement with Iran on a one-page memorandum of understanding intended to end the war and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear talks.

According to the Axios report, the memorandum in its current form would declare an end to the war in the region and begin 30 days of negotiations on a more detailed agreement. Those talks would cover reopening the strait, placing limits on Iran’s nuclear programme through a moratorium, and lifting US sanctions.

Axios also reported, citing one US official, that Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the strait and the US naval blockade of Iran would be eased gradually during that 30-day period. The same official said that if the negotiations fail, US forces would be able to restore the blockade or resume military action.

Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran.

If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.

Trump’s remarks came as Washington signalled that a diplomatic opening may be emerging, even as the threat of renewed military escalation remains in place.