Trump Negotiates Hormuz Opening as Iran Pursues Nuclear Weapons

President Donald Trump reports progress in negotiations with Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, describing recent talks as "very good." While seeking a diplomatic resolution to the maritime crisis, Trump warned that Iran would be "hit really hard" if it abandons the negotiations or attempts to acquire a nuclear weapon.

These diplomatic efforts coincide with an escalation in nuclear rhetoric. Ahmad Vahidi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, declared Wednesday that Iran will continue developing nuclear weapons for national security as long as the United States and Israel possess them. Vahidi stated that Iran would only disarm if the other powers did so first.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to these claims by vowing to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon regardless of whether a diplomatic agreement is reached. Experts suggest Iran may be leveraging the Hormuz crisis to secure maritime control and sanctions relief to avoid making concessions on its enriched uranium stockpiles and nuclear infrastructure.