Trump Threatens Iran: Open the Strait of Hormuz or Face a Strike
The U.S. president says 'very good talks' are underway, but Iran denies direct contacts and instead negotiates through Oman.
The U.S. president says 'very good talks' are underway, but Iran denies direct contacts and instead negotiates through Oman.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with new, severe strikes if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened for free passage soon. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that his first choice is a diplomatic agreement, but he also emphasized that he would have no choice if Tehran fails to meet its obligations.
"The strait will be opened very soon, or they will face a very severe strike," Trump said, adding that previous strikes were just a prelude. "We hit them very, very hard. But the most severe strike is yet to come, and I hope we won't have to use it."
Despite the harsh threats, the U.S. president claimed that "very good talks" are underway with Tehran. "If they back off again, they will be hit very hard. They know that. They understand that. I have no choice," Trump said, noting that the other side is reluctant to admit that negotiations are taking place.
Iran refutes Trump's claims of direct talks with the U.S. According to the Egypt Independent, Tehran is instead working with Oman to find an agreement on reopening the strategic waterway. Mediators hope that after the strait is unblocked, the two sides can resume negotiations on the nuclear program.
