US President Donald Trump has said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen despite Iran’s influence over the crucial waterway. He also said he would do “what’s right” to stop the growing conflict in West Asia. Speaking to Fox News after returning from China, Trump expressed confidence that the global shipping route would remain operational.
“I’m going to do what’s right. I have to do what’s right… The Strait will be opened, they will not have a nuclear weapon, and the world will go on,” Trump said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Rising tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States have raised fears of possible disruptions to global energy supplies.
Trump Criticises Iran During Ceasefire Talks
Trump also spoke about ongoing ceasefire and nuclear negotiations with Iran. He claimed both sides had come close to reaching an agreement several times, but accused Tehran of backing away from discussions.
“We really had the confines of a deal; no nuclear, they were going to give us the dust…and every time they’d make a deal, the next day it’s like we didn’t have that conversation…they’re crazy, and you know what? Because of that, they cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Trump repeated his long-standing position that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons. However, his latest remarks suggested a softer approach compared to his earlier demands.
Trump Open to 20-Year Suspension of Iran Nuclear Programme
Trump said he would consider allowing Iran to suspend its nuclear programme for 20 years instead of shutting it down permanently. The statement marked a noticeable shift from his earlier stance, where he had insisted that Iran completely and permanently stop uranium enrichment activities. He said the suspension would need to be a “real 20 years”.
Previously, Trump had maintained that Iran should never be allowed to enrich uranium or develop nuclear weapons under any circumstances. At the same time, he warned that his patience with Iran was running out as negotiations continued without any major breakthrough.
Israel and Lebanon Extend Ceasefire
Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their ceasefire and continue broader talks on a political settlement, the United States announced on Friday. The decision came even as Israel carried out fresh strikes, which it said were outside the scope of the ceasefire agreement.
Officials from Israel and the Lebanese government met in Washington for two days of discussions. Lebanon’s government has faced difficulties in controlling the armed group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed that both sides agreed to extend the truce. “The cessation of hostilities “will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said. The ceasefire had been scheduled to expire on Sunday before both sides agreed to prolong it.