IRAN IS “ON THE BRINK” AS STRAIT OF HORMUZ REMAINS CLOSED
U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran urgently wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened because, in his words, the country is “on the brink” and has run out of money.
«“What they want is to open the Strait of Hormuz immediately. You know why? Because they’re on the brink. You know why they’re on the brink? Because they have no money,” Trump said.»
Trump argued that Iran’s finances depend heavily on the strategic waterway and accused Tehran of trapping itself by attempting to close the strait and disrupt global trade.
He said the United States responded by imposing what he described as “the biggest blockade in military history”, calling it “a real wall of steel.”
Trump added that Iran had effectively lost access to the economic benefits of the waterway after attempting to shut it down.
«“They wanted to close the Strait. And I said, ‘Fine. We’ll close it for you. But everybody else can use it.’”»
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, and disruptions there can have significant consequences for international oil and gas markets.