The United States launched new attacks on Iran and imposed a naval blockade on the country’s ports, President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday. Despite the escalation, Trump said a peace agreement with Tehran remained possible. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he stated that a deal had been close two days earlier but was delayed when Iran requested further discussions.

The renewed confrontation followed a series of missile and drone exchanges between the two nations. Trump announced that the U.S. would take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that ships using the route should pay for safe passage. In a phone interview with Fox News, he added that wealthy nations benefiting from the waterway should contribute financially, arguing that the United States should not provide this service for free.

The remarks and actions mark a new phase in U.S.-Iran tensions, with Washington asserting control over a key global shipping route while leaving open the possibility of future negotiations.