Speaking in Las Vegas, Trump Compared the US Approach in Iran to Its Actions in Venezuela, Saying, We Are Knocking the Hell Out of Them

US President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be announced within hours, possibly as early as Wednesday. Iran blocked the strait, through which nearly one-fifth of the world's oil passes, in response to the US-Israeli war launched on February 28. Oil prices eased Wednesday, with Brent crude slipping 1.2% to $78.43 per barrel, on hopes of a deal. According to, the proposed deal would give Iran control over ships entering the Gulf through the strait, a major concession after more than five months of war.

A previous memorandum of understanding collapsed over interpretations of Article 5, which concerned the strait, with Iran claiming sole sovereignty to manage and potentially fee ships, while the US and Gulf allies insisted on an open, toll-free waterway. Speaking in Las Vegas, Trump compared the US approach in Iran to its actions in Venezuela, saying, "We are knocking the hell out of them. I would rather make a deal, because I do not want to kill people.

He claimed a larger military operation was halted after Iran sought talks, adding, "They called me, and they said, 'Please don't do it. Let's talk.