The administration of President Donald Trump increased pressure on Iran to reach an agreement that would reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran reviews the latest U.S. proposal aimed at ending the two-month war.

The past 24 hours revealed conflicting messages from Washington. U.S. officials alternated between declaring that the fragile ceasefire remained in place and that military operations were over, while Trump simultaneously threatened renewed bombing campaigns if Iran refuses to accept a deal.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. forces were protecting stranded commercial vessels to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He described the mission as a “defensive operation” designed to secure one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.

Later in the day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the United States had achieved its military objectives and that operations had effectively concluded. However, he also emphasized that Washington continues to pursue a broader diplomatic agreement requiring Iran to fully reopen the vital oil corridor.

Iranian officials confirmed they are reviewing the latest U.S. proposals. At the same time, Trump warned on social media that “the bombings will start” unless Tehran agrees to the terms demanded by Washington.

Hopes that the conflict could end soon boosted international markets and renewed optimism that disrupted oil and natural gas shipments may resume. Nevertheless, military tensions remain high. Hours earlier, U.S. forces reportedly fired on an Iranian tanker allegedly attempting to break the blockade around Iranian ports.

The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, in place since April 8, has largely held. However, face-to-face negotiations hosted by Pakistan last month failed to produce a final agreement.

The war began on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iranian targets, triggering a regional escalation with major implications for global energy markets.