Trump threatens Iran with fresh strikes if Strait of Hormuz remains closed

United States President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face severe military action if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Speaking during an interview on Fox News, Trump said talks with Tehran were progressing positively, describing them as “very good discussions.”

However, he cautioned that the situation could change if Iran failed to honour its commitments. According to Trump, the United States would not hesitate to respond forcefully, warning that he would resume missile strikes and hit Iran “very hard” if the strategic waterway remained blocked.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, making any disruption to traffic through the passage a major concern for global energy markets and international security.

“The Strait’s going to be open very soon or they are going to get hit very hard,” he said.

“If they back out again, they are going to get hit really hard. They know that. They understand that. I have no choice.”

Trump said while he would rather pursue a diplomatic agreement, the missile option was not off the table.

“I hope we won’t, we’re having very good discussions. They don’t like to admit that,” he said.

Iran has denied holding direct discussions with the US. Instead, Tehran says it is working with Oman on an arrangement to reopen the strait.

The Middle Eastern country has also strengthened its control over the contested narrow waterway.

“If the United States continues its violations, the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened even if Iran and Oman reach an agreement,” state broadcaster IRIB reported on Wednesday.

Hassan Ghashghavi, a spokesperson for Iran’s national security and foreign policy commission, told Iranian state-affiliated media that the critical waterway, through which one-fifth of global crude oil typically flows, would not return to its pre-war status under any circumstances.

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