Washington DC: US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said any agreement with Iran will only come into force once it is fully finalised and signed, even as he pointed to what he described as major diplomatic and security developments involving Tehran, Israel and Lebanon.
Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump claimed that Iran has indicated the Strait of Hormuz is now open for full commercial transit. However, he stressed that US naval restrictions linked to Iran would remain in place until a formal agreement is completed.
“This will be a great day for the world,” Trump said, adding that while passage through the Strait has resumed, “the naval blockade… will remain in full force and effect… until our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.”
He also made remarks on nuclear-related developments, asserting that the United States would secure control over residual material linked to past military operations and reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Trump further claimed that Iran, with U.S. assistance, is in the process of removing sea mines from key waterways.
On regional tensions, Trump said Washington had played a key role in securing what he described as a historic ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon — a development he characterised as unprecedented in decades. He emphasised, however, that negotiations with Iran are separate from the Lebanon situation.
The comments come amid ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran, with the U.S. maintaining that discussions are progressing but remain contingent on strict conditions. Trump expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations, saying talks would continue through the weekend.
“We’ve had very good discussions… Talks are going on, and they’ll continue,” he said, adding that developments in Lebanon are also part of broader regional progress.
Addressing reported concerns from Iranian officials over gaps in negotiations, Trump downplayed differences, saying any outstanding issues could be resolved. He reiterated that U.S. naval measures targeting Iranian ports would be lifted only after a final agreement is signed.
Trump had earlier claimed that Iran had broadly agreed to key terms, including cooperation on handling enriched uranium. However, Iranian authorities have publicly rejected assertions that they would transfer uranium stockpiles abroad.
Negotiations between the two sides remain ongoing against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, with no formal agreement announced so far.
