Trump may extend Iran truce if Hormuz Strait reopens, US officials say

The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing US officials, that President Donald Trump may be inclined to indefinitely extend the current ceasefire with Tehran if Washington succeeds in keeping Iran's nuclear program under control and maritime traffic returns to normal in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the officials quoted by the Journal, if Tehran fully reopens the strait, the US administration is expected to consider lifting the blockade imposed on Iranian ports.

The officials added that Trump has told senior advisers in recent weeks that he believes Iran is unlikely to revive its nuclear program during his presidency, after the United States destroyed three key nuclear sites last year.

The officials explained that the US president emphasized in recent meetings that intelligence agencies are capable of detecting any Iranian attempt to rebuild those facilities or secretly develop a nuclear weapon, considering that the threat of further US strikes would remain an effective long-term deterrent.

A White House official, for his part, said the United States has achieved all its military objectives in Iran, noting that Trump's focus has now shifted to ensuring the smooth flow of global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the military option remains on the table if Tehran continues to target ships.

It is worth noting that the agreement between Iran and Oman regarding the strait, which separates the two countries, is seen as crucial to reaching a broader deal to end the conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Those attacks prompted Tehran to disrupt shipping in the main energy export route after threatening commercial vessels.