President Trump claimed Tuesday that Iran has informed the U.S. it is collapsing and urgently wants to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. The assertion came via a Truth Social post in which Trump characterized Iran as struggling with internal leadership turmoil while seeking to clear the strategic waterway.
Trump wrote that Iran wants the strait opened "as soon as possible" as the country works through what he described as a leadership crisis. He added a parenthetical remark expressing confidence Iran would resolve its internal problems.
What is unclear is what Trump bases the claim on. Iran has not publicly confirmed it is willing to reopen the strait or acknowledged being in a state of collapse.
The announcement follows Iran's recent proposal to the U.S.: reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift blockades first, with nuclear discussions deferred to a later stage. Trump met with his national security team Monday to discuss the Iranian overture. According to a U.S. official and two sources briefed on that meeting, no decisions were made during the session.
One source said Trump appeared reluctant to accept Iran's offer because it would delay negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, a top priority for his administration. Eliminating Iran's nuclear capabilities has been central to Trump's Middle East policy and his public critiques of Tehran.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced that position Monday, stating the president's conditions regarding Iran have been made clear both publicly and directly to Iranian leadership. She emphasized that Trump's red lines on the nuclear issue remain unchanged.
The Strait of Hormuz is vital to global oil supplies, with roughly one third of all seaborne traded oil passing through it daily. Tensions over the waterway have escalated in recent years, with Iran periodically threatening to block it amid broader regional conflicts and international sanctions.
Author James Rodriguez: "Trump's claim that Iran secretly told him it's collapsing reads like pure leverage play before negotiations, not reporting from any confirmed back channel."
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