Iran requested talks after the United States had prepared to carry out a massive military strike, U.S. President Donald Trump said at an event in Las Vegas, arguing that sustained military pressure brought Tehran back to the negotiating table. Addressing his supporters, Trump said the United States was “ready for the largest attack since World War II” before Iranian officials contacted them to request a meeting. “They called me and said, ‘Please don’t do it, let’s talk,'” Trump said.
Trump said he preferred a diplomatic solution to further military action but reiterated that his administration’s position had not changed. “I prefer to make a deal because I don’t want to kill anyone,” he said. “But Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” His remarks come as his administration continues negotiations with Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Yesterday the president said there had been “a lot of progress” and suggested an agreement might be reached as soon as Wednesday or Thursday.
Iran: “On Hormuz we are negotiating only with Oman”
Iran and Oman are close to defining a framework agreement for commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the agreement would not automatically reopen the waterway, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in an interview with the state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). According to a senior Gulf official, there is a “50-50” chance Iran and Oman will reach an agreement by tomorrow. Iran also denied any talks with the United States, saying its discussions with Oman are strictly bilateral.
The technical proposal envisions a northern lane close to the Iranian coast for incoming vessels, while outgoing traffic would pass through Omani waters, coordinated with the Islamic Republic. The plan excludes tolls or fees and foresees clearing mines from a central, two-way navigation lane through joint Iran-Oman action.
Tehran’s objective is to maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz at all costs. But for the Iranian leadership it is “a very risky gamble.” Claiming authority over one of the main maritime corridors for global crude oil shipments, the Wall Street Journal writes that Tehran is betting “its ability to inflict damage on the U.S. economy is the best tool of pressure to avoid future military actions by the United States and Israel.”
Trump denies ammunition shortage
Meanwhile, Trump denied reports of an ammunition shortage and wrote on his platform Truth Social that the United States has “huge quantities” of munitions, “especially of certain types.” According to the tycoon, “large quantities are being produced and supplied to the United States as needed. Defense companies are building the largest number of factories in our country’s history.” He added: “Those who leaked these traitorous statements will be tracked down. Long prison sentences will be required!”
Last week the president reportedly clashed with his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, with the Washington Post saying the White House had been misled about U.S. ammunition stocks ahead of a possible return to major military operations in Iran. The Post, citing two people familiar with the matter, said the dispute occurred at Camp David on the margins of a cabinet meeting. According to the newspaper, Trump told Hegseth he believed the problem — shortages of long-range missiles and interceptors — “had been resolved.”
According to reports, the defense secretary blamed his deputy, Stephen Feinberg. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt categorically denied the account, telling the Washington Post it was “100% false. It never happened. And President Trump has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth.” Similarly, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said, “Secretary Hegseth did not mislead anyone about our munitions situation and did not blame Deputy Secretary Feinberg.” He added, “These claims about depleted stocks, internal disagreements, the Secretary’s position on Iran… are equally fabricated.”
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