United States President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened soon, even if Iran does not cooperate, as tensions around the key maritime route continue to affect global oil supply.
Trump spoke ahead of expected discussions between officials of the United States and Iran in Pakistan. He said the US is ready to take necessary steps to restore access to the waterway. He also noted that other nations are prepared to support such efforts.
The president made the remarks while addressing journalists before departing aboard Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews in Camp Springs, Maryland. He admitted the situation may present challenges, stating: “It won’t be easy.
“I would say this: We will have that open fairly soon.”
Trump did not provide details of the actions Washington might take to reopen the route. However, he warned that the US would not tolerate any move by Iran to charge vessels for passing through the strait.
Iran has indicated it could introduce fees for safe passage, even if both sides reach an agreement to end the conflict.
Reacting to the possibility, Trump said: “If they are doing that, we’re not going to let that happen.”
He also emphasised that stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains the main focus of any agreement between both countries. According to him, reopening the strait would follow once that objective is achieved.
“No nuclear weapons, that’s 99 percent of it,” Trump said.
“The strait will open up,” he added, “If we just left, otherwise they make no money.”
