Trump insists Iran deal could be inked soon, after previous forecasts don’t pan out
Chief Iranian negotiator mocks US president for repeatedly walking back threats, while Trump denies reports that he’s mad at Hegseth for depleted interceptor stockpile
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US President Donald Trump said Thursday afternoon that a deal had not yet been reached with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but such an agreement could be inked soon.
Trump on Saturday called off a major offensive against Iranian energy sites, claiming that Mideast mediators had assured him that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was imminent. Then on Monday, he claimed that a deal could be signed on Tuesday. On Tuesday, he told reporters a deal could be signed on Wednesday or Thursday.
“We’re doing very well. I’m involved in the negotiation. I think we’re doing fine. It could be soon,” Trump claimed on Thursday while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office. In the meantime, the US will maintain its blockade of Iranian ports, he said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with the US, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, posted a tweet mocking Trump for repeatedly threatening large attacks and then calling them off while citing a breakthrough in negotiations.
“‘Massive attack coming… wait, never mind, they want to negotiate.’ That’s theater diplomacy on loop,” Ghalibaf wrote. “Using bullying + broken promises + fake news as leverage is a failed strategy. Acknowledge the facts and fulfill your commitments. We don’t need more theater.”
Back in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated his claims that the US has an “unlimited supply” of missiles, amid mounting reports that Washington is actually running out of them.
Trump on Iran:
I'm involved in the negotiations with Iran. We are doing fine.
A deal could be soon. pic.twitter.com/qo4g2tX0YI
— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 6, 2026
“We’re in great shape, but we always want more,” Trump said, in an effort to explain the White House’s recent request from Congress for supplemental funding for the Iran war to the tune of over $30 billion.
“I think the war will end pretty soon. I don’t think they can go much longer,” Trump said. Last week, he said he “respected” Iran’s ability to withstand the American military campaign and blockade.
Earlier Thursday, Trump denied reports that he is unhappy with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the depleted stockpile of American missile interceptors.
“Pete is highly respected within the military and has made tremendous improvements,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, citing Hegseth’s stopping of diversity programs and his recruitment efforts.
Iran said Wednesday that no talks with the US have been held in recent days, but that it was finalizing a deal with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz that could restore a ceasefire with Washington.
Trump: I think the war with Iran will end pretty soon. I don’t think they can go much longer.
Q: Have you reached a deal to reopen the strait of Hormuz?
Trump: It’s sort of open right now. pic.twitter.com/J3lcPyuVwM
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 6, 2026
Officials who were briefed on the negotiations portrayed the agreement as a temporary solution to the dispute over the strait, but said it would pave the way for the US and Iran to resume negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program.
The deal on the table would reportedly be a 60-day arrangement for safe passage in the strait between Iran and Oman, with no side allowed to charge tolls during that period, which could be extended by mutual consent.
The reported deal would see ships enter the Hormuz through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route controlled by Oman.
While such a deal wouldn’t give Iran everything that it wanted, it still gives it a degree of control over the strait — something that it did not have before the US and Israel launched their war against the Islamic Republic in February.
The Times of Israel Community.