WANA (May 09) – The U.S. President stated early Saturday morning that his administration anticipates receiving a response from Iran concerning a proposed plan to end hostilities by the end of the day.

 

While speaking with reporters at the White House before boarding his helicopter, the President indicated that a letter would likely be received tonight. When asked if Tehran was intentionally slowing the pace of negotiations, he declined to give a definitive answer, noting that the situation would become clear shortly.

 

These remarks follow a statement from the U.S. Secretary of State, who mentioned that Washington had expected a response by Friday regarding the plan to conclude the conflict.

 

The President has maintained a dual-track approach, signaling a desire for an agreement while simultaneously employing a more assertive tone. He informed reporters that the United States would pursue an alternative path if a deal with the Islamic Republic is not finalized.

 

He further explained that in the absence of an agreement, the U.S. would resume its maritime mission in the Strait of Hormuz, referred to as “Project Liberty,” which had previously been suspended shortly after it began. The President added that a new version, termed “Liberty Plus,” would involve the original measures of the project along with additional actions.

 

The initial mission was launched to protect merchant shipping in the region; however, many shipping firms had expressed concerns that the operation caused confusion and failed to provide the necessary security guarantees for transit through the Strait.