WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that if Iran honours what has been agreed to, the US-Israeli war on Iran could end and the Strait of Hormuz reopen. “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 said in a post on Truth Social.
Pause in Escort Operations
Earlier, Trump said he would briefly pause an operation to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing “great progress” toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran as well as the “request of Pakistan and other Countries.”
Hours earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had outlined the effort that began on Monday to escort stranded tankers out of the Gulf. The strait has been virtually shut since the conflict began, blocking some 20% of world oil supplies and igniting a global energy crisis.
“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,” he wrote on Truth Social.
One-Page Memorandum of Understanding
The White House believes it is getting close to an agreement with Iran on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations, Axios reported on Wednesday, citing two US officials.
In its current form, the memorandum would declare an end to the war in the region and the start of 30 days of negotiations on a detailed agreement to open the strait, limit Iran’s nuclear programme with a moratorium, and lift US sanctions, Axios added.
Gradual Lifting of Restrictions
Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the strait and the US naval blockade of Iran would be gradually lifted during those 30 days, Axios said, citing one US official who added that if the negotiations collapse, US forces would be able to restore the blockade or resume military action.
Analysis: A Potential Breakthrough
Trump’s statement that the war could end if Iran agrees to the proposal represents a significant shift. The reference to “great progress” and the pause in escort operations suggest that negotiations are advancing.
The one-page memorandum of understanding would be a framework agreement — a political declaration of intent rather than a detailed treaty. The 30-day negotiating period would then be used to work out the specifics: the reopening of the strait, limits on Iran’s nuclear program, and the lifting of sanctions.
The gradual lifting of restrictions during the 30-day period is a confidence-building measure. Neither side would be required to give up its leverage entirely before the detailed agreement is finalized.
The threat that “the bombing starts” if Iran does not agree is classic Trump — combining optimism with a hard edge. The president is signalling that he wants a deal, but that he is prepared to escalate if necessary.
As the one-month deadline for Iran’s 14-point proposal approaches, the next few days will be critical. If Iran agrees to the memorandum, the war could end. If not, the conflict may enter a new, more intense phase.
