Trump Warns Iran Against Closing Strait of Hormuz, Says It Would Be 'The End' of Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, warned Iranian officials not to close the Strait of Hormuz, stating such a move would be the end of Iran. He also claimed the U.S. could seize the strait and charge passage fees.
U.S. President Donald Trump called into Fox News to assess recent developments with Iran. Responding to earlier statements by Iranian officials about closing the Strait of Hormuz, Trump asked the Tehran administration not to take such a step.
Speaking to Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, Trump said he had spoken with Iranian officials and told them, "If you close the Strait of Hormuz, you won't have a country left afterwards. You won't even be able to go back to your own country."
Trump also said that if necessary, the U.S. could seize the Strait of Hormuz and charge a passage fee. Describing the U.S. as the region's "guardian angel," the President stated that in such a case they could take 20 percent of the oil passing through the Strait.
Assessment on Syria and Hezbollah
Trump argued that Israel has been inadequate in its fight against Hezbollah in Lebanon. "I am disappointed that Israel cannot eliminate Hezbollah. They can't do anything without blowing up buildings," said Trump, expressing the view that this task should be given to Syrian President Ahmed Shara and that he would be more successful.
The U.S. President also emphasized that Hamas does not currently pose a problem and that the focus should be on Iran.
Uranium Warning to Iran
Responding to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's message that they would not give up the right to enrich uranium, Trump said, "He'd better watch what he says, or we'll take over the rest of the country."
Trump stated that a 60-day period for negotiations with Iran has begun and that they will see whether a final agreement is reached within this timeframe. "I have a 60-day option, after that I can do whatever I want," he said.
