By Ariba Shahid, Steve Holland and Alexander Cornwell ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV, May 7 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump predicted a swift end to the war with Iran as Tehran considered a U.S.

Trump sought to increase pressure on Tehran the day after he suspended a short-lived U.S. effort to force open a safe passage for commercial ships through the strait. The waterway was a vital passage for oil and gas supplies, fertilizer and other petroleum products before the war.

President Donald Trump said Project Freedom will be paused in the Strait of Hormuz as "Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran."

China believes that a complete cessation of hostilities is imperative, restarting the conflict is unacceptable and persisting in negotiations is particularly important,” the Chinese foreign ministry said after the talks Wednesday.

Hegseth said the ceasefire with Iran "certainly holds" for now after a naval clash between Iranian and U.S. forces and renewed attacks on the UAE.

Israel wants Iran to stop enrichment, dismantle underground nuclear sites, restrict missiles, and cut ties to Hamas and Hezbollah, experts say.

President Trump said the U.S. has had “good talks” with Iranian negotiators and the country has agreed to not have a nuclear weapon. “They can’t have nuclear weapons,” Trump said, repeating a red line that he has set.

Top US officials affirm that the ceasefire with Iran is ongoing as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz mount. Follow for live updates.

Oil prices rose Thursday, as investors continue to assess the latest developments in the Middle East amid concerns over renewed tensions between Iran and the U.S.