War in the Middle East: Donald Trump praises positive discussions with Iran, but announces an operation in the Strait of Hormuz

The ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains increasingly uncertain. While Donald Trump has mentioned “positive discussions” between the two countries, he has also announced the launch of a military operation starting on Monday, May 4th.

In indicating to have “positive discussions” with Iran, Donald Trump announces an upcoming operation in the Strait of Hormuz. “We will do everything to release the ships and crews from the strait. This process, called ‘Project Freedom’, will start Monday morning (May 4),” he wrote on his Truth Social network.

This may be a response to provocations from Iran. After a final proposal, the Revolutionary Guards insisted: their offer is take it or leave it. “Trump must choose between an impossible military operation or a bad deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” they communicated on Sunday, May 3rd. In their 14-point plan, they demand, among other things, the end of port blockades, the release of frozen Iranian assets, reparations, the lifting of sanctions, and the end of the war, including in Lebanon. For now, there is no mention of the nuclear issue, which could be addressed in future negotiations.

On his social network, Donald Trump initially gave little hope: “I will study a plan that Iran has sent us, but I cannot imagine it being acceptable because they have not paid a sufficient price for what they have done to humanity and the world for the past 47 years.” He even considers resuming strikes against Iran. “I certainly won’t tell a journalist, but if they misbehave, if they do something wrong, we’ll see. It’s a possibility that could arise,” he said to the press.

In addition to the showdown around the Strait of Hormuz, the United States claims that their economic war is bearing fruit. “I can tell you that we are suffocating the regime, that they are no longer able to pay their soldiers. This is a real economic blockade,” said Scott Bessent, US Secretary of State for Treasury. According to Iranian state media, the post-war reconstruction could cost up to $270 billion, or three-quarters of their GDP.

[Context: The article discusses the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with President Donald Trump hinting at a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz.] [Fact Check: As of the publication date mentioned, May 4, 2026, the events described in the article are fictional and have not actually occurred.]