Trump threatens Iran with attacks over the Strait of Hormuz

Washington – 05.08.2026: US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran in the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran must reopen the strategically important waterway very soon, otherwise severe American attacks could follow, Trump said, according to US media reports. The threat comes at a time when Washington is also seeking a political agreement with the Iranian leadership.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that an agreement on reopening the strait could possibly be reached as early as Tuesday or Wednesday. According to his account, the talks concern not only free passage but also a de-escalation of the conflict that has been ongoing for months. However, no signed treaty or joint official statement by the governments involved was initially available.

The Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman is one of the most important routes in the global energy trade. A prolonged disruption to shipping would primarily affect oil and liquefied gas supplies from the Gulf states. The United States is demanding safe and unhindered passage for commercial vessels. Iran, by contrast, has long regarded its influence over the strait as part of its security and negotiating position.

According to a report by the Associated Press news agency, Iran and Oman have made progress in talks on an arrangement for the waterway. The agency cited representatives from the region. An understanding could reduce military tensions. It would remain unclear, however, under what conditions Tehran would be allowed to control or administer passage.

The security situation at sea remains tense. According to the British reporting center United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz recently reported being hit by an unspecified projectile. Information on the vessel’s flag, cargo and possible damage was not initially released. The incident shows that diplomatic contacts have so far not eliminated the dangers to civilian shipping.

In recent days, Trump had repeatedly said that he would temporarily suspend planned further attacks on Iran because of the ongoing negotiations. At the same time, he tied this restraint to the swift reopening of the strait and progress on Iran’s nuclear program. The US administration is thus placing Tehran under considerable time pressure without yet presenting a publicly confirmed negotiating text.

For European countries, the conflict affects both energy supplies and the security of their commercial vessels. The European Union has called for free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. By Wednesday morning, no final agreement had been confirmed. Only the continued contacts between those involved and Oman’s role as mediator had been documented.