Trump predicts imminent breakthrough to reopen Strait of Hormuz and secure permanent Iran peace deal

📌 Summary:

• US President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran to extend the current ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached "over the next week" (ABC News interview)
• A "glitch" occurred after Iran reacted to Israeli strikes in Lebanon; Trump said he spoke to Hezbollah and to PM Netanyahu ("Bibi") and "they both stopped" shooting
• "A peace agreement with Iran could be even better than a military victory" — Trump
• US and Iran are engaged in indirect negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and avoiding further escalation in the Gulf region
• Outstanding hurdles: Trump said "I still have to get a few more points"; talks not finalised; "very large country... tremendous hostility"
• The Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted; chokepoint carries a large share of global oil — disruption directly impacts global energy markets and regional stability
• The ceasefire under discussion is seen as a step towards stabilising the situation and ensuring safe passage through key maritime routes

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 — India's "Link West" policy; West Asia stability; great-power mediation; impact on India's energy security and 9-million-strong Gulf diaspora.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Strait of Hormuz: 33-km-wide chokepoint between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman; ~20% of global oil and ~33% of seaborne LNG transit through it
• Parties to current talks: US and Iran (indirect channel)
• US President: Donald Trump; Israeli PM: Benjamin Netanyahu ("Bibi")
• Hezbollah: Lebanon-based Shia militant/political group; designated terror organisation by several Western states; backed by Iran
• India's exposure: ~85% crude import dependence; large share transits West Asia routes

🔑 Key Term: Ceasefire — a temporary suspension of hostilities between warring parties; distinct from a peace treaty (which formally ends a conflict); usually time-bound, often verified by third parties.