Trump threatens Iran: 'Your country will not exist' if you close Strait of Hormuz
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that if they close the Strait of Hormuz, their country will cease to exist.
- Trump indicated the U.S. could take a
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Fox News, threatening severe retaliation if the country attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the U.S. might assume a "protector" role in the strait and could even charge fees for passage if necessary.
Trump recounted telling Iranian officials that Iran's country would not survive if it closed the strait. He conveyed that the U.S. would intensify its stance in the region if Iran did not agree to terms. The President suggested that if the U.S. ensures security in the Strait of Hormuz, this role might not be without compensation, potentially involving a share of oil shipments or transit fees. He characterized this approach as the U.S. acting as a "guardian angel" for the strait and the Middle East.
Regarding the agreement with Iran, Trump mentioned a 60-day window during which he could take any action he deemed fit, implying that military and economic pressure could be reimposed if negotiations failed. He also criticized Israel for its inability to neutralize Hezbollah in Lebanon, suggesting Israel could not achieve anything without "destroying buildings." Trump urged Iran to stop supporting groups in Lebanon and stated that once the Iran issue is resolved, many other matters would fall into place. He also commented on Gaza, noting that Hamas was not causing "too many problems" at the moment and that the primary focus should be on Iran.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.