German Minister Blames Trump for Iran's Strait of Hormuz Closure

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has attributed Iran's renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Pistorius argued that while the U.S. might not be directly involved now, Trump's past actions created the current situation. "Ultimately, the bottleneck of the Strait of Hormuz was driven in by Donald Trump, not by us, but we have an interest in reopening it," Pistorius stated in an interview with German television station ARD.

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Ultimately, the bottleneck of the Strait of Hormuz was driven in by Donald Trump, not by us, but we have an interest in reopening it.

Pistorius stressed the critical importance of unimpeded maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a vital artery for oil and gas shipments. "The opening of the Strait of Hormuz, or more precisely, a safe passage through the strait, is in Europe's interest, for the sake of our energy supply and our economic recovery," he explained. He added that any agreement to reopen the strait would require the cooperation of both Iran and Oman.

Meanwhile, Iran has indicated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as long as the ceasefire in Lebanon is not respected and permits for Iranian oil sales are not granted. Tasnim news agency, citing sources close to the negotiation team, reported that the strait would stay shut until these conditions are met. Fars news agency, quoting Iranian military sources, confirmed the closure, stating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has not issued transit permits for any vessels.

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The opening of the Strait of Hormuz, or more precisely, a safe passage through the strait, is in Europe's interest, for the sake of our energy supply and our economic recovery.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, reiterated on X that Iran would not engage in broader talks with the U.S. unless the conflict in Lebanon concludes. "Without the implementation of these provisions, especially paragraph 1 (ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon), entering the negotiation phase for a final agreement is impossible," he wrote.

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Without the implementation of these provisions, especially paragraph 1 (ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon), entering the negotiation phase for a final agreement is impossible.