U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could either keep squeezing Iran through economic pressure and control of its frozen assets or hit it "really, really hard," calling Tehran "devious negotiators" even as regional officials signaled movement toward a deal. The remarks broaden a dispute already centered on Trump's demand that future talks include U.S. compensation claims for Americans killed or wounded by Iran-backed forces, while Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until sanctions are lifted, frozen assets are released and war damage is addressed. Pakistan said the United States and Iran were close to "some sort" of deal, and Qatar said talks on managing the Strait of Hormuz were at an advanced stage despite new reports of attacks on shipping. Trump also dismissed concerns about depleted U.S. long-range missiles, saying production was accelerating and blaming former U.S. President Joe Biden for sending weapons to Ukraine.