Trump to address nation Thursday on Iran, election intel

US President Donald Trump announced Monday he will deliver an address to the nation on Thursday evening at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, as exchanges of strikes with Iran continue and his administration prepares to release newly declassified intelligence regarding foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election. "President Trump will be making a Speech to the Nation on Thursday evening, at 9 P.M. Eastern. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Monday, confirming the timing of the primetime broadcast.

Hormuz blockade dispute

The announcement came amid renewed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump stating the US was reinstating an "Iranian blockade" and proposing a 20 percent fee on cargo shipped through the waterway in exchange for American protection of the strategic passage. He said implementation of the plan would begin immediately. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the proposal, asserting Tehran will remain the "guardian" of the strait. "20% is of course too much. We will be fair," Araghchi said, according to MS Now.

Declassified intelligence

Citing two White House officials, MS Now reported that Trump will reveal newly declassified intelligence reports about a "foreign nation's plans to interfere in the 2020 presidential election." CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, FBI Director Kash Patel and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin will join the president during the speech, the outlet reported.

The US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in April and subsequently signed a memorandum of understanding to formally end the war that began on February 28, fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US blockade of Iranian ports. A 60-day period was established for negotiations on outstanding issues, including Iran's nuclear program, which had served as one of the primary justifications for the initial US-Israeli military strikes.