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Donald Trump has hinted that he might not extend the temporary ceasefire with Iran if the negotiations for a long-term deal fail.
The US president has been sending mixed signals about the war as he expressed confidence earlier that the sides would wrap up a deal.
He then threatened to end the ceasefire on Wednesday unless a long-term solution to end the war is found.
Speaking on board Air Force One, Trump said: ‘Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain.
‘So you have a blockade [of Strait of Hormuz], and unfortunately we have to start dropping bombs again.’
The high-stakes peace talks between the US and Iran are rumoured to continue on Monday, although officials have been tight-lipped about a schedule.
But he also said that negotiations would take place over the weekend and that he has ‘some good news’ he cannot share more about yet.
It comes after the stalemate over the Strait of Hormuz might be getting closer to being resolved.
While the US continues to blockade Iranian ports, both Tehran and Washington have insisted that the key oil passage is open to commercial vessels.
Shipping data is beginning to show that some vessels have moved through the passage despite some uncertainty.
However, Iran’s military said today that the Strait of Hormuz will return to ‘strict control’ because of the ongoing US blockade.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB said this morning that the Strait has ‘now closed again and passage requires IRAN approval.’
The key oil passage has been effectively closed since the US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran, sending fuel prices through the roof.
Yesterday, Trump lashed out at his NATO allies again after the Strait was declared reopened, saying they can ‘stay away’ from the region.
He wrote on his Truth Social platform: ‘Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help.
‘I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL.
‘They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!’
Lebanon and Israel have agreed on a 10-day ceasefire so that negotiations for a more permanent peace can happen, Trump announced.
The truce came into force at 9pm on Thursday, with crowds celebrating on the streets across Lebanon after weeks of bombardment by the Israeli forces.
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