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Trump says U.S.-Iran deal still possible as military strikes and blockade continue

Trump says U.S.-Iran deal still possible as military strikes and blockade continue

Trump said Iran wants talks with Washington as U.S. strikes continued and a blockade was described, while blasts were later reported in Chabahar and Axios said wider attacks were discussed.

Fact Check
The primary Axios report by Barak Ravid directly confirms Trump held a Situation Room meeting on Tuesday July 14 to discuss a wider offensive in Iran beyond the current Strait of Hormuz strikes, matching the claim's core assertion. BBC and RFE/RL independently corroborate the ongoing strikes, the reinstated US naval blockade, and Trump's statement that a deal remains possible. The Bloomingbit item (citing Axios) further reinforces the escalation and expansion narrative. All elements of the claim are supported by multiple authoritative and independent sources.
Summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 13 and again on July 15 that Iran wants talks with Washington and that a U.S.-Iran deal remains possible, even as the U.S. military continues strikes and Trump describes a renewed blockade targeting Iran-linked maritime commerce. Trump said U.S. officials had spoken with Iranian officials, insisted the Strait of Hormuz must remain open, and warned Tehran to make a deal or have “nothing.” He also said the U.S. would target power plants and bridges unless Iran returns to talks. Separately, Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported three blast sounds in the southeastern port city of Chabahar on July 15, with the cause and extent of damage unconfirmed. Axios also reported that Trump met advisers in the White House Situation Room on July 14 to discuss broadening strikes beyond southern targets near the Strait of Hormuz, though the White House did not confirm that report.

Terms & Concepts
  • Strait of Hormuz: A strategic shipping chokepoint for global oil and gas flows between the Persian Gulf and the open ocean.
  • blockade: A military or naval measure used to restrict the movement of ships or goods to pressure a country economically or strategically.
  • bunker-buster bombs: Munitions designed to penetrate hardened or underground targets before detonating.