US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday (May 6) that military action against Iran could escalate sharply if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a deal.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “Assuming Iran agrees to deliver what was agreed upon, which may be a big assumption, the legendary Epic Fury will be over and a highly effective blockade will allow the Strait of Hormuz to be opened to EVERYONE, including Iran.
He added a direct warning against escalation if the talks break down: “If they don’t agree, the bombing will begin and it will be, unfortunately, at a much higher level and intensity than before.”
Conditional de-escalation associated with agreement
Trump’s remarks suggest a two-pronged approach — offering to end the U.S. military campaign if Iran accepts the terms discussed, while maintaining the threat of increased strikes if negotiations fail.
The reference to “Epic Fury” appears to describe the ongoing US military campaign in the region, while “Blockade” refers to restrictions affecting maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor.
The Strait of Hormuz is the focal point of the negotiations
The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic flashpoint and any disruption will affect global oil and gas flows.
Trump indicated that the potential deal would reopen the waterway “to everyone, including Iran,” signaling his central role in the talks.
Iran signals a shift over the Strait of Hormuz
Trump’s announcement came after Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on May 5 that a “new equation” was forming over the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Ghalibaf said: “The new Strait of Hormuz equation is in the process of being solidified.”
Ghalibaf accused the United States and its allies of disrupting regional stability, allegedly violating the ceasefire and enforcing a blockade that affected naval operations.
He said: “The security of shipping and energy transit has been threatened by the United States and its allies violating the ceasefire and imposing the blockade.”
He further added, “Of course, their evil will diminish.”
An Iranian spokesman also suggested that the current geopolitical standoff is unsustainable for the United States, indicating continued risks of escalation.
He wrote: “We know very well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America, even though we have not even begun.
US-Iran talks are reportedly nearing a framework agreement
The remarks came after US media outlet Axios reported that Washington and Tehran were close to finalizing a one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and laying the groundwork for broader nuclear negotiations.
The announced proposal is expected to serve as an interim framework rather than a full agreement, with more detailed negotiations to follow.
Trump suspends naval mission amid truce efforts
Trump on Tuesday suspended a naval initiative designed to escort commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after just one day of operations that reportedly included clashes with Iranian forces.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said, “Project Freedom (the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be suspended for a short period of time to see if the agreement can be finalized and signed.
He added: “Great progress has been made towards a full and final agreement with representatives of Iran.”
China calls for restraint and continued negotiations
Diplomatic pressure has also increased from Beijing, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urging Iran to continue negotiations.
Speaking to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Wang said:
“Resuming hostilities is not recommended.
The comment represents one of Beijing’s most direct public interventions into the conflict as global powers push for de-escalation.
Iran is pushing back on US demands
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected what he described as unrealistic US expectations while maintaining maximum pressure on Tehran.
He said: “The problem is that while the US is pursuing a policy of maximum pressure against our country, it also expects the Islamic Republic of Iran to come to the negotiating table and finally submit to its unilateral demands – an equation that is impossible.
A key issue remains Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor.
Military operations and shipping disruptions continue
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high in the region.
The US military said it assisted two vessels leaving Hormuz earlier in the week in repelling drone, missile and speedboat attacks attributed to Iranian forces.
The British Navy also reported an attack on a cargo ship in the Straits on Tuesday.
More than 1,550 commercial ships carrying about 22,000 sailors remain affected by the malfunctions in the Persian Gulf, according to US officials.
