US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States could end its military operation against Iran if Tehran accepts Washington’s demands. However, he warned that the US would restart bombing at a much higher intensity if Iran refuses the deal.
As hopes rise for an end to the Iran conflict, Trump said the future of “Operation Epic Fury” now depends on Iran’s response.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US would end the operation if Iran agrees to the proposed terms. He also said the naval blockade would end, allowing free movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
At the same time, Trump warned Iran against rejecting the agreement.
His post read: “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran. If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
A day earlier, Trump said the US would temporarily pause “Project Freedom”. He said the move aimed to protect free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the pause would give both sides time to finalise a possible agreement.
US and Iran Move Closer to Agreement
Reports suggest that Washington and Tehran are close to signing a preliminary agreement to stop the ongoing conflict and begin broader nuclear talks. According to Axios, both sides are discussing a one-page memorandum that could create a framework for future negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The report, citing US officials and sources familiar with the talks, said the White House expects Iran to respond on key issues within two days. Although both sides have not finalised the agreement yet, officials reportedly see this as the closest they have come to a deal since the war began in February.
Under the proposed deal, Iran would reportedly agree to limit nuclear enrichment activities. In return, the United States could lift sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. The agreement may also remove restrictions on movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials said Trump paused Project Freedom because negotiations showed progress and helped maintain the current ceasefire. The draft memorandum reportedly contains 14 points. Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading the talks with Iranian officials through direct discussions and mediators.
Trump Hints at Pakistan Visit
Last week, Trump also said he may visit Pakistan if the Iran peace talks succeed. Speaking in Washington, D.C., Trump praised Pakistan’s leadership and spoke about a possible trip to Islamabad.
“I would go to Pakistan. Pakistan has been great. They’ve been so good. If a deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go. The Field Marshal has been great. The Prime Minister has been really great,” Trump said.