By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Iran wants a deal but its terms are not good, warning that countries taking oil through the Strait of Hormuz must ensure its security themselves. Trump said the United States would cooperate with those nations on protecting the vital waterway, but stressed that “it should always be a team effort.”
In remarks that drew global attention, the American leader also addressed reports about the health of Iran’s Supreme Leader, saying he had “heard” that Mojtaba Khamenei was no longer alive and suggesting that the news could be a rumour. Trump repeated that Iran was keen to end the standoff, but said Tehran had so far failed to meet acceptable conditions.
Trump insisted Iran was not yet ready to accept Washington’s terms and said the United States had “completely defeated” the country both militarily and economically. In a striking and controversial comment he claimed that much of Kharg Island had been “totally destroyed” and hinted at the possibility of further strikes there “for recreation”.
Trump’s comments come amid continuing tensions over nuclear and regional security issues, with Tehran under heavy sanctions and diplomatic pressure. The call for Gulf states to take primary responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes, marked a shift in tone on regional security obligations. Trump’s assertion about Iran’s internal leadership and his remarks about military action are likely to fuel further debate among analysts and policymakers.
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