Trump Claims US Controls Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Negotiations with Iran
US President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that his country has achieved full control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which enormous quantities of oil pass. According to Trump, 29 ships transited the strait the previous night, and Iran wants to immediately reopen it because it is suffering devastating losses without oil revenues.
Iran's motivations for seeking a deal are driven by its economic woes, Trump explained, adding that 'Iran trapped itself' by closing the strait. The US has imposed what Trump calls 'the largest blockade in military history,' which has resulted in zero Iranian oil exports through Hormuz and $140 billion in oil moving safely under American escort in two weeks.
The current Iranian proposal, delivered by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on September 22, is not acceptable to the US, Trump stated. Iran wants a deal, but its terms fall short of what Washington will accept. The negotiation is now at a critical phase, with Tehran needing to modify its offer or face continued economic pressure.