US President Donald Trump has said Washington is open to negotiating with Iran, according to Open Magazine. In the same remarks, he demanded what the outlet described as payback over the Strait of Hormuz and directed criticism at Google.
The comments were reported on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. Open Magazine framed the remarks around three threads: a possible Iran deal, the Hormuz demand, and his criticism of the technology company.
Trump also claimed that Tehran wants a deal quickly, a claim reported by The Express Tribune. Iran, for its part, has issued an ultimatum regarding the talks, according to Sky News. The two sides have hinted at negotiations even as sanctions are tightened and tensions around Hormuz remain elevated, Iran International reported.
Separately, the Houthis said access to the strait is a "free for all" for everyone except Saudi Arabia, per Sky News. That statement adds another layer to an already volatile maritime environment.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes, making any disruption there a matter of international concern. The competing signals — talk of diplomacy alongside sanctions and military posturing — suggest the situation remains fluid.
What to watch next: whether the hinted talks between Washington and Tehran actually materialize, and how the Hormuz access claims from the Houthis affect shipping in the strait.