US President Donald Trump has warned that he will punish Iran “very hard” if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that “very good discussions” were happening with Tehran, but warned that if Iran failed to meet its obligations, he would resume missile launches.
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.”
While Trump would like to reach a diplomatic agreement, he did not rule out using missiles. Iran has denied having direct discussions with the United States, maintaining instead that it is working with Oman to reopen the passage.
The Middle Eastern government has also expanded its influence over the contentious, restricted 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.
Iran has however denied having direct discussions with the United States, maintaining instead that it is working with Oman to reopen the passage.
The Middle Eastern government has also expanded its influence over the contentious, restricted waterway.
Backstory…
Trump’s latest warning comes days after the United States carried out strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-linked targets, dramatically escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Following the operation, the U.S. president warned that Iran would face even heavier military action if it retaliated or took steps capable of disrupting global energy supplies.
Despite the hardline rhetoric, Trump later announced that the United States and Israel had agreed to pause further strikes, saying the “perimeters” of a possible deal with Iran were beginning to take shape
Read Also: Trump Issues Fresh Warning, Says “Iran Facing Last Chance Before Decapitation”
