Trump Claims Imminent Iran Deal to Reopen Hormuz as U.S. Pauses Strikes

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 3

Trump said Iran sought a weekend meeting that prompted Washington to pause planned strikes, and he now says a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is close.
Tehran publicly denied direct talks with the U.S., with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei saying negotiations are only with Oman on a temporary shipping route and that the strait will not return to its prewar status.
Trump accused Iran's leadership of being "duplicitous," saying the U.S. Navy already controls the waterway through a blockade and that nothing will pass unless a deal or "total surrender" is reached.
The pause eased immediate market fears, sending U.S. crude down 5% to $80.79 a barrel and Brent down 5% to $83.87, even as U.S. officials said forces remain ready for major action.
The standoff still leaves wider risks in place for global shipping, oil supply and Iran's nuclear dispute, with talks and military pressure now moving in parallel.