President Donald Trump huddled with top officials in the White House Situation Room on Friday to make a "final determination" on approving a deal with Iran.
Trump announced on social media he was entering the Situation Room, a location typically used by presidents to monitor highly sensitive situations including wars, hostage crises, and terrorist attacks.
The president, in his post, reiterated his demands aimed at ending the war.
Trump added that Iran must clear all mines in the strait and complete the removal of highly enriched uranium. The president noted “it is agreed” that the United States “is the only Country, along with China, with the mechanical capability” of extracting the uranium.
Additionally, Trump appeared to reference Iran's demands for toll payments in the strait, war damage reparations or a release of Iranian funds frozen abroad.
“No money will be exchanged, until further notice. Other items, of far less importance, have been agreed to,” he wrote.
Trump also announced that he was lifting the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and that any ships “caught” in the global shipping route due to the blockade may start “heading home.”
Trump’s announcement to imminently decide on approving a deal comes amid escalating tensions and intermittent clashes between both sides despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran did not immediately respond to Trump’s statement, but earlier its top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf expressed skepticism.
"We do not trust guarantees and words, only actions are the criterion. No action will be taken before the other side acts," Qalibaf said in a social media post, without elaborating. "The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war the day after."
The United States and Israel launched war against Iran on Feb. 28. The conflict has caused global economic pain by pushing up energy prices due to Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.