U.S., Iran Reportedly Discussing Ceasefire In Exchange For Reopening Strait Of Hormuz

The U.S. and Iran are discussing a ceasefire in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway through which about 20% of the world's energy goes, according to a new report.

Citing three U.S. officials, Axios detailed that President Donald Trump is discussing the possibility. He claimed in a social media publication on Wednesday that "Iran's new regime president" asked for a ceasefire.

"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 added.

However, Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said the claim is "false and baseless."

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei: Trump’s claim that Iran requested a ceasefire is “false and baseless,” pic.twitter.com/P2BnVsuW5S

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 1, 2026

The potential ceasefire, the outlet added, is along the lines of a proposal introduced by China and Pakistan on Tuesday.

The war continues in the meantime, and it's unclear what course it will take in the near future. He said on Tuesday that operations could end in "two or three weeks, maybe a couple of days longer," and is expected to deliver a prime-time address on Wednesday night to give an update on the war.

The Atlantic reported on Wednesday that U.S. officials are planning for two potential ground operations in the country: one would be aimed at seizing Kharg Island, where most of the country's oil exports go through, and another one to either seize its enriched uranium or continue impacting its nuclear program.

Before the U.S. and Israel bombed the country in June 2025, Iran was believed to have more than 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% and 200 kilograms of 20% fissile material, which can easily be turned into 90% weapons-grade uranium.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not deny the possibility, saying "it's the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the commander-in-chief maximum optionality."

The Wall Street Journal interviewed former military officers and experts who said such an operation would be extremely challenging and could extend the war beyond the timeline outlined by Trump.

Concretely, troops would need to fly to the sites, likely under Iranian fire, secure perimeters to allow engineers to access the materials and defend them from Iranian attacks. Sites could also be filled with mines and booby traps. Such an operation would likely need to be carried out by an elite special operations team.

Moreover, if an airfield is not readily available, troops would need to build a makeshift one to bring equipment and then remove the material. All of that could take up to a week to complete.