US–Iran tensions: Trump hints at joint control of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump on Monday said the Strait of Hormuz could soon reopen if ongoing talks with Iran yield results, adding that the key waterway might even be “jointly controlled” by him and the “Ayatollah.”
The remarks came as the US president announced a five-day pause on potential strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure following what he described as “productive conversations” with Tehran. However, Trump did not clarify who exactly was involved in the talks or the framework of any potential agreement.
Iranian media quickly pushed back. Fars News Agency, citing a source, reported that there were no direct or indirect communications between Iran and the United States.
“Maybe me and the Ayatollah”
Speaking about the future of the strait, Trump said it would be reopened “very soon” if negotiations succeed, suggesting it could be “jointly controlled”, although he did not specify by whom.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor through which a large share of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass. The waterway has remained largely choked since the start of the current Middle East conflict, fuelling volatility in global energy markets.
Markets react to Trump’s comments
Trump’s announcement of a temporary pause in strikes triggered immediate reactions in global markets. Brent Crude prices fell sharply, the US dollar weakened against major currencies, while global stock markets rallied and government borrowing costs eased.
Rising tensions in the region
The comments follow an intense week of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. Israeli forces struck the South Pars gas field, prompting Iran to retaliate by targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas facility.
Tehran has also warned that if its power infrastructure is attacked, it could strike Israeli power plants and energy facilities linked to US military bases across the Gulf region.
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Stumps is becoming butt of jokes. USA citizens may be ashamed of him.