President Donald Trump said the United States would maintain its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz until a formal agreement with Iran is completed, while also instructing negotiators “not to rush into a deal” as talks continue between Washington and Tehran.
Trump said negotiations were proceeding in an “orderly and constructive manner” and argued that “time is on our side”.
He added that the blockade would “remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed”.
The remarks came after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said another round of US-Iran talks would take place “very soon”.
Trump also stated that a deal had been “largely negotiated” with Tehran, though he continued to leave open the possibility of military action against Iran.
The prolonged standoff around the Strait of Hormuz has increased economic and political pressure on the White House amid rising global oil prices.
Higher fuel and heating costs have added to inflation concerns in the United States, while Republican lawmakers have faced criticism from constituents over rising household expenses.
Although the US remains largely self-sufficient in oil production, the disruption in global energy markets has continued to affect domestic prices and consumer spending.
Trump, who campaigned on promises to ease economic burdens, is facing growing scrutiny as negotiations drag on without a final agreement.
Iranian officials continue to defend Tehran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz and warns against further escalation.
Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said Iran had “solid legal and security reasons for its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz”.
He said Iranian management of the waterway was intended “to prevent insecurity and military campaigns”.
Rezaei also warned that continued conflict would damage the American economy and urged Washington to accept what he described as Iran’s proposed “fair negotiating table”.
Democratic lawmakers in the United States sharply criticised Trump’s handling of the talks.
Senator Cory Booker said he was “outraged” that the proposed agreement “does not deal” with Iran’s nuclear programme, while Senator Chris Van Hollen warned the negotiations could leave Tehran with greater leverage in the region.