Trump said the U.S. could become the “guardian” or “take over” the Strait of Hormuz if talks with Iran fail, and warned against any move to close the key oil shipping route.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that if the United States and Iran fail to reach an agreement, Washington could become the “guardian” of, or “take over,” the Strait of Hormuz and collect 20% of Middle East oil revenue. According to Xinhua, Trump said he spoke with Iran on the evening of the 20th and warned against closing the waterway, telling Iranian officials, “If you close it, you won’t have a country anymore.” A newer report said Trump also described Iranian negotiators as being in talks with Vice President Vance, but provided no further details, leaving the status and scope of any negotiations unclear.