Trump warns Iran to open Hormuz or get 'hit very hard'

US President Donald Trump has said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come as soon as today, but warned Iran it would get 'hit very hard' if negotiations fell through. Transit of the waterway, a key conduit for global oil and gas supplies, has been a sticking point in talks and led to renewed fighting following an April ceasefire. Iran has tightened its grip on Hormuz and wants to control the strait and charge tolls, powers it did not exercise before the war began on 28 February. Trump stated a deal could happen 'tomorrow or the next day,' while also threatening Iran with severe retaliation if no agreement is reached. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated there is a chance a deal may be reached by today or tomorrow. Recent incidents include a missing crew member on a merchant ship hit by a projectile in Hormuz and an Indian ship sinking in the Red Sea after an unattributed attack. Trump has previously threatened Iran with attacks on civilian infrastructure but hinted at a potential deal. Iran’s foreign ministry denies negotiations with Washington, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed US involvement in Oman-Iran talks to increase traffic through Hormuz. Qatar, mediating negotiations, stated diplomatic efforts are ongoing but no direct Iran-US talks are planned. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani spoke with Trump, discussing de-escalation efforts. Trump expects to know by Tuesday whether talks are progressing, though he called the situation 'not very complex.' Washington aims to reopen Hormuz and denuclearize Iran, though Trump acknowledged this could take time. Iran remains capable of missile and drone attacks on US and allied targets, including commercial shipping. The UK’s maritime security agency reported an unnamed cargo vessel struck by an 'unknown projectile' in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman. Iran continues to impose a blockade on the strait, while Houthi rebels in Yemen have declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, impacting Red Sea shipping lanes. The Indian ship MSV Faize Noore Oliya sank in the Red Sea off Yemen after an unattributed attack, with all crew rescued. The Red Sea is a critical gateway to the Suez Canal, with previous Houthi attacks forcing ships to take lengthy detours around Africa.