Washington: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened renewed bombing against Iran if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even as reports suggested that both sides are moving closer to a possible agreement to end the ongoing conflict.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that military action could escalate significantly if Tehran fails to comply.
“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,” 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,” he added.
His remarks came after a report by US media outlet Axios, which cited US officials and other sources, claiming that Washington and Tehran are close to a one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war and laying the groundwork for detailed nuclear negotiations.
According to the report, the US is expecting Iranian responses on several key issues within the next 48 hours, although no final agreement has been reached. Officials described it as the closest the two sides have been to a deal since the conflict began.
The proposed framework reportedly includes Iran agreeing to halt uranium enrichment, the United States lifting sanctions and releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and both sides easing restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the report noted that many provisions would depend on a final agreement, leaving the situation uncertain — with the possibility of renewed conflict or a prolonged standoff in which active war subsides without a formal resolution.
With PTI inputs