Washington

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the United States is exploring the possibility of forming a joint arrangement with Iran to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz, following his recent announcement of a two-week ceasefire.

In an interview with ABC News, Trump explained that such a partnership could help safeguard the strategically vital waterway, which serves as a major route for global energy shipments. Responding to a question about whether Iran might impose transit charges, he indicated that a collaborative framework could address broader security concerns in the region.

The US President also reaffirmed his firm stance against Iran maintaining any uranium enrichment programme, despite Tehran’s repeated assertions about its nuclear rights. Trump made it clear that enrichment would not be permitted under any future arrangement.

He further expressed optimism about upcoming peace negotiations, stating that talks could begin as early as Friday and move forward quickly. Trump also acknowledged China’s involvement in facilitating communication with Iran during this period.

On the military front, Trump clarified that US forces stationed in the region would remain in place, signalling their role in enforcing any future agreement.

Following his remarks, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, подчеркнул that the ceasefire should be viewed as temporary. Speaking at the Pentagon alongside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, he said US forces are fully prepared to resume military operations if required, maintaining the same level of speed and precision demonstrated in earlier actions against Iran.

Caine stressed that the truce represents only a pause in hostilities and expressed hope that further escalation would be avoided. He also paid tribute to the 13 American service members who lost their lives during the conflict, acknowledging their sacrifice and that of their families.

The developments come shortly after Trump declared a bilateral, two-week ceasefire in the ongoing tensions with Iran. A day earlier, he had ordered a halt to military strikes, citing progress toward a broader peace agreement.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said a ten-point proposal put forward by Iran could serve as a foundation for long-term negotiations. He added that most US military objectives had already been achieved and that discussions were advancing toward a lasting peace framework in the Middle East.

READ MORE: Two-time world kickboxing champion Tajamul Islam is an ode to human spirit

Trump also noted that his decision to pause military action followed discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. The suspension, he said, is conditional upon Iran ensuring the immediate and secure reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.