Dick Morris hails Trump as 'new OPEC' for US dominance in energy market
WASHINGTON, DC: Dismissing Iran’s claim that it has control over the Strait of Hormuz, political strategist Dick Morris said that instead, “the US has control of the Straits, and at any point they need to exercise it if they can,” while appearing on Newsmax's 'Saturday Report'.
His comment came amid reports of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz again until the US lifts the blockade of Iranian ships.
Dick Morris heaps praise on Trump
Morris described the US’ edge against Iran amid the ongoing situation as a result of a major shift in global energy power driven by US oil production.
"The world produces 100 million barrels of oil a day," he said, noting that US output had once fallen to "only 4 million barrels out of the 100 million," giving the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) dominance and leaving the US’ trade insignificant.
Morris credited Trump for changing the dynamics in the oil market and hailed the president as the "new OPEC."
"About two weeks ago, Trump increased American oil exports to 14 million barrels a day, completely wiping out everybody else," Morris said before continuing, "what Trump basically said was, I am the new OPEC. I will decide who gets to export what to whom, when, and where."
Dick Morris argues Iran changed course after US embargo threat
The political strategist further said that Iran was reluctant to the US’ dominance in the market and apparently said, “To hell with you. We don’t recognize it.” He argued that Iran only changed its stance after the threat of a US embargo.
As per Morris, Trump said, "I’ll impose a total embargo and nobody will be able to get any oil in," prompting Iran to "basically back down."
He further said that while Iran has not come out officially about backing down but outcome is inevitable. He described the development as the "most amazing triumph" for Trump.
"They haven’t conceded it completely diplomatically, but it’s on the way," he said, calling it "the most amazing triumph you can imagine for Donald Trump."
Making a big prediction, Morris said Iran is expected to surrender in the coming days as Trump has successfully forced the Middle Eastern country into a tough deal.
"In a few days, Iran is going to officially surrender, and the US will control it," he claimed, adding that "the US Navy will basically be the blockade enforcer" in a "permanent situation."
