Trump says Iran asks for ceasefire but must first reopen Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Tehran has requested a ceasefire. He added that Washington is ready to consider this if Iran ensures free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said on Truth Social the new leader of the Iranian regime had supposedly just contacted the US and requested a ceasefire. The US president described him as "much less radicalised and far more intelligent than his predecessors".

Trump indicated that Washington is ready to consider this step, but Iran must first ensure unrestricted passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

"We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!" he wrote.

After the launch of the military operation by the US and Israel on 28 February, Iran blocked the passage of most commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global oil and gas transport.

Earlier, The Wall Street journal reported that Trump had told his aides he was prepared to halt the US military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence that the US would gain control over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has kept blocked since the start of the war in the Middle East.