“We’ll know in 48 hours”: Trump says “a lot of progress” made, signals possible talks with Iran that was the message coming out of California on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump gave reporters a fresh update on where things stand with Tehran. Speaking on the tarmac before departing Los Angeles for Las Vegas as part of a two-day West Coast trip, Trump struck an optimistic tone, saying negotiations were “moving along very nicely” and that clarity would arrive within two days.
What Trump Actually Said
According to Trump, Iranian officials had personally reached out to Washington asking to talk. Trump said that Iranian officials had contacted the US and expressed an interest in talks, while suggesting that Tehran would be “very smart” to reach a deal.</cite> He framed the outreach almost like a business negotiation, describing Iran as eager to sit down at the table.
The “48 Hours” Line
The now-viral phrase “we’ll know in 48 hours” wasn’t a throwaway comment t echoed language Trump has used before during tense standoffs with Iran. Speaking to reporters on the tarmac before heading to Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are “moving along very nicely” and said there would be more information in 48 hours. When pressed on reports that an agreement over the Strait of Hormuz could be announced imminently, Trump indicated a deal could land either Wednesday or Thursday.
A Pattern of Deadlines
This isn’t the first time a short window has been placed on Iran diplomacy. Over the weekend, the president had given Iran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or the U.S. would strike its power infrastructure</cite>, before later softening that stance and pausing any strike plans while talks continued.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
Much of the urgency behind these talks centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries a massive share of the world’s oil shipments. Trump has repeatedly tied progress on reopening the strait to the broader negotiation with Tehran, warning of serious consequences if Iran fails to cooperate.
What US Officials Are Saying
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has offered a more measured account than the president’s optimistic framing. Rubio said there has been progress made in discussions with Iran and Oman over getting more ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but no final agreement has been reached yet while confirming Washington’s direct involvement in the Oman-Iran talks. Rubio also noted that denuclearization remains the administration’s ultimate goal, even as the more immediate focus is on the strait
Behind the Scenes
The diplomacy has involved a wide circle of officials. Vice President Vance, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner have all been involved in the negotiations with mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey helping shuttle proposals between Washington and Tehran.
What Happens Next
For now, the world is left waiting on Trump’s timeline. If the “48 hours” prediction holds, an announcement whether about the Strait of Hormuz, a broader ceasefire framework, or something else entirely could come within days. But given the on again, off again nature of these talks in recent months, observers are treating the promise with cautious optimism rather than certainty.
Markets have reacted positively to the possibility of a resolution, with easing tensions around the strait seen as a relief for global oil supply. Still, the underlying issues Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader security situation in the region remain unresolved even if a short term arrangement is reached.
FAQs
What did Trump mean by “we’ll know in 48 hours”?
Trump was telling reporters that developments in the ongoing talks with Iran — particularly around reopening the Strait of Hormuz — would become clear within the next two days.
Did Iran really reach out to the US for talks?
That is what Trump claimed, saying Iranian officials contacted him directly and asked to talk. Other officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have described the situation more cautiously, noting progress but no finalized deal.
What is the Strait of Hormuz deal about?
Reports suggest the immediate goal is an interim arrangement, reportedly involving Oman as a mediator, to ease tensions and keep shipping moving through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil.
Is this the first time Trump has given Iran a short deadline?
No. Trump had previously set a 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the strait or face strikes on its power infrastructure, before pausing those threats to allow talks to continue.
Will this lead to a full nuclear deal with Iran?
Not necessarily right away. Officials have indicated that denuclearization remains the long-term objective, while the current round of talks is focused more narrowly on the Strait of Hormuz situation.