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🇹🇳 Tunisia /Conflict & Security

Tensions between Iran and the United States: Tehran inflexible on Hormuz, Trump invites Americans to pay more for gasoline

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Iran has asserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating it will open and close the passage solely on its decision.
  • This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump advised Americans to prepare for persistently high gasoline prices due to the conflict.
  • Tehran has indicated no decision has been made to resume negotiations with the U.S., placing the onus on Washington to uphold its commitments.

Iran has issued a firm stance on the Strait of Hormuz, with a senior diplomat stating that the passage will be opened and closed exclusively by Tehran's decision. This declaration follows U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks urging Americans to brace for sustained high gasoline prices amid the ongoing conflict. The situation suggests a diplomatic impasse, with no immediate indication of peace talks resuming.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi declared on platform X that "The Strait will be opened and closed only by Iran's decision, and as long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and continue to delude yourselves, Iran will continue to impose the blockade." This assertion underscores Iran's leverage over the critical global oil transit route.

The Strait will be opened and closed only by Iran's decision, and as long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and continue to delude yourselves, Iran will continue to impose the blockade.

— Kazem GharibabadiIranian Deputy Foreign Minister, asserting Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz on platform X.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi further stated that Tehran has not decided to resume negotiations with the United States. He emphasized that Washington must first fulfill its commitments before any navigation in the Strait of Hormuz can resume. This stance places the responsibility squarely on the U.S. to de-escalate the situation and meet Iran's demands.

Meanwhile, President Trump, addressing supporters, acknowledged the economic impact of the conflict, noting that gasoline prices in the U.S. have risen significantly. He defended his decision to engage in the conflict, stating, "If you have to pay a little more" for gasoline, "that's okay. ... I will never apologize. I made the right decision." Trump also jested about the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting it might become U.S. territory after the conflict, a claim Tehran dismisses as false.

If you have to pay a little more for gasoline, that's okay. ... I will never apologize. I made the right decision.

— Donald TrumpU.S. President, justifying higher gasoline prices due to the conflict with Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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