[93581] Donald Trump threatens Iran: control over the Strait of Hormuz and harsh sanctions

Trump's threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the tensions with Iran

In a series of harsh statements reported in Arabic media outlets, US President Donald Trump threatened extreme measures against Iran against the backdrop of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with Fox News, Trump declared that if Iran chooses to close the strait, their country will be "destroyed." According to him, he has already spoken with Iranian officials and warned them against such a step.

Trump issued an economic and military ultimatum: if an agreement is not reached, the US may impose "passage fees" on ships in the strait, and even take control of it if necessary. Al-Jazeera Channel reported that Trump claimed the US could become the "guardian of the strait" and collect 20% of the oil passing through it. Additionally, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) quoted Trump as threatening that "the Iranian negotiators will not be able to return to their country" if the strait is closed.

Reactions in channels affiliated with the "Axis of Resistance" were distinctly hostile. The Nahj al-Muqawama channel (affiliated with southern Lebanon and a distinctly anti-American line) presented Trump's words as an imperialist attack, using a tone that emphasizes his threats to Iranian sovereignty. Conversely, Al-Youm Channel published a seemingly contradictory report, in which it claimed that Trump denied the intention to impose taxes on passage in the strait after the 60-day period defined in the memorandum of understanding with Iran.

Against this backdrop, Trump noted to Arabi21 that Hamas does not currently pose a "big problem" in Gaza, and that his administration's main focus is shifting toward reaching an agreement with Tehran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.