Donald Trump has claimed Iran is in a “state of collapse” and now wants the US to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible”.
The US President wrote on Truth Social platform: “Iran has just informed us that they are in a ‘State of Collapse.’ They want us to ‘Open the Hormuz Strait,’ as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation (Which I believe they will be able to do!). Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.” The post follows a day after US officials, including Trump, reviewed a proposal from Iran. The plan is reportedly aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the strait, while delaying any talks about Iran’s nuclear program.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the idea on Monday, arguing that Iran’s nuclear activities are “the reason why we’re in this in the first place.”
He told Fox News: “There’s no doubt in my mind that at some point in the future, if this radical clerical regime remain in charge in Iran, they will decide they want a nuclear weapon.
“That fundamental issue still has to be confronted. That still remains the core issue here.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed that the president had seen the proposal while at the press briefing on Monday.
She said: “I don’t want to get ahead of the president or his national security team. What I will reiterate is that the president’s red lines with respect to Iran have been made very, very clear not just to the American public, but also to them as well.”
However, this is not the first time that the US president has criticised Iran’s leadership since the war with Tehran broke out on February 28.
Earlier this week, he described the Iranian leadership as “seriously fractured” as he announced an extension to a ceasefire.
He said the ceasefire would be extended to allow more time for negotiations and appeared to be suggesting that Iran’s leadership is in disarray.
Mr Trump added that the US naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports would remain in place.