The White House: Iran Has Allowed "Slight Increase" in Energy Transit Through the Strait of Hormuz After Accepting U.S. Temporary Truce Conditions

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that following Iran's agreement on Tuesday evening, April 7, to U.S.-proposed temporary ceasefire terms, the United States has observed a "slight increase" in maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This follows a 38-day joint military operation conducted by the U.S. and Israel.

Leavitt also said during Wednesday’s press briefing that President Donald Trump hopes Iran will immediately, swiftly, and safely reopen the strait, and that "there have been private indications suggesting progress is underway."

The strait serves as a critical chokepoint for Middle Eastern energy exports to global markets. For several weeks prior, it had effectively been blocked due to Iranian attacks and threats against international shipping.

Leavitt acknowledged reports that, within hours of Trump posting on Truth Social at 6:32 p.m. Washington time on Tuesday, the Iranian regime continued launching attacks against civilian targets in regional countries.

"The U.S.-Israel joint operation has destroyed Iran’s command and control systems, making it difficult for the regime to issue orders downward," she said. "Therefore, we understand this. I would urge everyone to maintain some patience. But of course, we hope the ceasefire agreement takes effect as soon as possible and is respected by all parties."

The White House press secretary further noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Trump later Tuesday and pledged to "provide assistance" as the U.S. attempts to negotiate an agreement during a two-week ceasefire window. The proposed deal would require Tehran to accept key American demands. After Trump announced the ceasefire plan, Netanyahu issued a statement affirming support for suspending joint strikes against the Iranian regime.

In a video statement released Wednesday, Netanyahu insisted that the temporary ceasefire should not include Iran’s proxy group Hezbollah in Lebanon. He said Israel had struck 100 Hezbollah targets within 10 minutes on Wednesday—the heaviest blow the terrorist organization has suffered since 2024.

Leavitt told reporters that the U.S. position—stating that its temporary ceasefire agreement with the Iranian regime does not cover the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon—has been communicated to all relevant parties.

"Israel remains a key ally and partner of the United States. Over the past six weeks, they have been an extremely important partner, and we thank them for their courageous efforts," she said.

Leavitt added that President Trump is dispatching Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to lead negotiations with Iran. She also confirmed that special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential advisor Jared Kushner will represent the U.S., with the first round of talks scheduled for Saturday morning local time.

Leavitt emphasized that the primary objective of the U.S. negotiating team is ensuring Iran agrees to hand over its stockpiled weapons-grade enriched uranium under U.S. control. When asked if Tehran had indicated acceptance of this demand, she replied: "Yes."

Earlier Wednesday, Trump posted on Truth Social about the matter, stating: "The United States will work closely with Iran. We have determined that Iran has undergone a highly effective regime change! Iran will no longer conduct uranium enrichment. The U.S. will cooperate with Iran to excavate and clear all deeply buried nuclear [dust] from B-2 bombers."

Trump’s reference to the B-2 bomber pertains to the "Midnight Hammer" operation last June, when U.S. aircraft attacked and completely destroyed three sites where Iran was enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels.

In his post, Trump noted these facilities had remained under "extremely tight" satellite surveillance by the U.S. Space Force and had not been touched since the June strike.

He also said that as part of negotiations with Iran, the U.S. would discuss Tehran’s request for exemption from U.S. tariffs and sanctions. The previous Iranian leadership had already been eliminated at the outset of the five-week joint U.S.-Israel campaign against the regime.

Additionally, Trump claimed many elements of the 15-point peace proposal presented by the U.S. to Iran have already been agreed upon.

In a subsequent post, Trump stated that any country supplying weapons to Iran’s new government would face immediate 50% tariffs on all goods exported to the U.S., with no exemptions allowed.

At Wednesday’s Pentagon briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Operation "Epic Fury" as a "historically decisive and overwhelming victory on the battlefield."

Hegseth said the operation severely crippled Iran’s military, rendering it incapable of combat for years to come.

He also stated that Trump had the capability to disable Iran’s entire economy within minutes but chose "mercy" instead, canceling planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure and bridges, due to the regime’s acceptance of U.S. ceasefire terms under significant pressure.

Hegseth affirmed that U.S. forces are prepared to ensure Iran complies with the ceasefire agreement and ultimately secure a deal acceptable to the president.

Source: vov

Original: toutiao.com/article/1861946623443979/

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