President Trump has dismissed suggestions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that no deal with Iran is possible without significant military action against the country, including its leaders.
A general indicated that Iran’s recent threats about blocking the waterway were merely a face-saving measure, occurring shortly after it extended a ceasefire.
Trump commented, “Iran doesn’t want the Strait of Hormuz closed. They want to keep it open to earn about $500 million daily. Closing it would hurt them.” He noted this sentiment on Truth Social.
He further stated, “They pretend to want it shut because I’ve effectively blocked it, but really, they’re just trying to maintain appearances.”
Four days prior, he claimed people approached him saying Iran wanted to reopen the Strait immediately. However, he emphasized that making that move would mean sacrifices, presumably referring to further military actions against Iran.
In a follow-up post, Trump asserted that the Iranian regime is under severe financial pressure, describing it as “financially collapsing” and “starved for cash.” He shared concerns about military and police personnel not receiving their salaries.
Although the Iranian government has yet to respond directly to Trump’s threats, Foreign Minister Abbas Aragushi stated that any blockade violates the ceasefire and escalates tensions. He remarked, “Blocking Iranian ports is an act of war, and seizing a commercial ship is an even graver violation.”
He expressed confidence in Iran’s ability to protect its interests amidst what he termed bullying.
Iran previously accused the US military of piracy for seizing the M/V Touska.
The Strait, crucial as a passage for a significant portion of the world’s oil, was reportedly closed on Saturday, contradicting earlier statements from Arraguchi claiming it was open for commercial traffic.
Iran has insisted it will maintain the closure until the US lifts its blockade, mocking pressure from Western countries to reopen the strait.
EU diplomat Khaja Kallas faced ridicule from Iranians for her insistence that the strait should stay open according to international law.
“Oh, their ‘international law’?!” quipped Esmail Bakaei from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. He criticized Europe’s double standards regarding their claims on international relations.
Recent negotiations led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer aimed at reopening the channel have yet to yield progress.
It’s uncertain whether another round of peace talks between the US and Iran will take place. Reports suggest Vice President Vance is leading a US delegation to Islamabad, though he is currently in Washington.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were also meant to attend talks in Pakistan, but shifted to the White House for discussions on Tuesday instead.
It appears Iranian representatives did not attend the Islamabad meetings, with reports indicating that they might be gearing up to resume conflicts.
The speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, hinted that Iran has “new cards” to play in any forthcoming battles.
