President Donald Trump announced that a sweeping agreement with Iran has been finalized, declaring that the deal secures unrestricted access through the Strait of Hormuz and prevents Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He also revealed that he remains prepared to resume military action if negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program ultimately collapse.

Speaking in a Sunday interview with The New York Times, Trump said the newly negotiated arrangement guarantees that ships will be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely without paying transit fees. He further argued that the agreement spared Israel from what he described as a potentially catastrophic nuclear threat, despite opposition from Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu.

The president said that while a broader nuclear agreement is still being negotiated, talks are expected to begin Friday in Switzerland. He warned that if Iran refuses to reach a final accord, military pressure could quickly return.

Trump also floated another possible framework under which the United States would provide regional security guarantees in exchange for a 20 percent share of Middle Eastern revenues.

The comments came during a 28-minute telephone interview initiated by Trump from the White House residence, followed by a shorter follow-up call. Throughout the discussion, Trump maintained that his military campaign against Iran earlier this year, combined with the naval blockade imposed after Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, fundamentally shifted the balance of power in the region in America’s favor.

During the conversation, Trump praised both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping facilitate the ceasefire arrangement. At the same time, he sharply criticized Netanyahu, claiming Israeli military actions nearly unraveled the diplomatic breakthrough.

“He’s a very difficult guy,” Trump said of Netanyahu, “and to be honest with you, he should be very thankful to us for doing this. Because if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t be around for two hours.”

Trump repeatedly compared his new agreement to the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated during President Barack Obama’s administration, while insisting that his framework would permanently prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

According to Trump, negotiators are still debating how long Iran’s enrichment program would remain frozen. While discussions have centered on a 20-year freeze, he suggested he could accept a 15-year arrangement. Regardless of the final term, Trump said Iran’s enrichment activities would remain permanently limited to low levels unsuitable for military use. He noted that the Obama-era agreement contained a similar provision, though Iran later increased enrichment to near-weapons-grade levels after the United States withdrew from that accord in 2018.

The interview followed Trump’s formal announcement of the agreement on Truth Social.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.

In a subsequent post, Trump expanded on the significance of the agreement.

“This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!”

Earlier, Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he expected to issue an official announcement confirming that Washington had reached an agreement with Tehran.

He indicated that the agreement could ultimately be signed electronically either by himself or by Vice President JD Vance.

Trump also stated that Netanyahu “is okay” with the deal.

Prior to the public announcement, Trump and Netanyahu held a telephone conversation. According to a senior official familiar with the discussion, the president updated the prime minister on the progress toward finalizing the agreement with Iran.

Netanyahu temporarily suspended a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet in order to take the call. The cabinet session resumed after the conversation and concluded shortly afterward.

{Matzav.com}