Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will ensure the Strait of Hormuz, a significant route for oil transport, is "open fairly soon." He emphasized that his primary aim in the forthcoming negotiations with Iran is to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump made these comments during a press event at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, as the U.S. and Iran prepare for initial discussions in Islamabad aimed at resolving their conflict, following a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this week. Trump expressed confidence that the strait, currently obstructed by Iran's retaliatory actions, will be accessible again.

Trump reiterated his opposition to Iran's imposition of fees on oil tankers passing through the strait, which is crucial for nearly 20% of the global oil supply. He stated, "No. We are not going to let that (happen). It's international water," and predicted that the waterway would open "automatically."

The ceasefire agreement announced by Trump is contingent upon Iran's "complete, immediate and safe" reopening of the strait. However, Iran's limitations remain amid ongoing Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. When questioned about the framework of a favorable deal with Iran, Trump highlighted the importance of ensuring Iran does not develop nuclear weapons, stating, "No nuclear weapon. Number one."

Trump conveyed his support to Vice President JD Vance, who will participate in the negotiations with Iran, expressing, "I wish him luck." Representing the U.S. in the talks will be Vance, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. The Iranian delegation is anticipated to include Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.