US President Donald Trump has said he hopes the war with Iran will end soon and that oil prices could fall significantly if tensions ease.
Speaking to reporters in Ireland, Trump said Iran wanted a deal but claimed that Iranian officials were not yet ready to reach an agreement.
He also claimed that Tehran could seek to prolong the conflict until the US midterm elections. Trump reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
Trump said Iran had been relatively close to developing the capability to build a nuclear weapon before the conflict began. He warned that such a weapon could threaten Israel, countries in the Middle East and parts of Europe.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said US forces controlled the waterway and were helping oil tankers pass through it.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global oil supplies. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway could affect energy markets and lead to higher oil prices, while the prospects for an end to the conflict and possible negotiations remain uncertain.
