Tehran billboard shows Trump kneeling, offering Iran $100B over Hormuz
WASHINGTON, DC: A billboard displayed in Tehran’s subway system depicting US President Donald Trump kneeling and offering money to Iran has drawn attention amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. The state-backed visual references a commentary attributed to Reuters, suggesting Iran could generate massive revenue by charging vessels passing through the strategic waterway.
The development comes as Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran in a recent interview, claiming the country has been significantly weakened and reiterating his stance against its nuclear ambitions.
Tehran billboard sparks attention
The billboard reportedly shows Trump in a submissive posture, accompanied by text citing a Reuters opinion that claims Tehran could collect up to $110B annually by charging $2M per vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran International.
It also carries the caption: “Reuters: Iran earns $100 billion a year out of Hormuz Strait,” reinforcing the economic message tied to control of the critical shipping route.
Iranian state TV commentator Foad Izadi praised Tehran’s municipality for displaying the image, saying it aligns with messaging from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on leveraging the Strait for economic and regional gains.
Izadi said the concept reflects “legal rules and the application of new management of the Strait of Hormuz,” which he suggested could bring “comfort and progress” to the region while boosting Iran’s economy.
Trump claims Iran ‘destroyed’
In an interview with Newsmax, Trump said Iran’s military capabilities and leadership had been severely diminished.
"We've already won. But I want to win by a bigger margin. But we have already we have destroyed their navy, destroyed their air force, destroyed all of their. If you look at their anti-aircraft equipment, their radar equipment, their leadership, their leadership is destroyed. We've destroyed everything," he said.
He added that Iran would struggle to rebuild for decades.
"If we leave right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild if they ever could rebuild. And. But it's not it's actually not good enough. We have to have guarantees. They will never have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.
Trump warns of nuclear threat
Trump reiterated his position that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, warning of potential consequences if it does.
"I will tell you that Iran would use the nuclear weapon if they had it. I deal with these people. I know people, they will use the nuclear weapon, and we're not going to give them a chance to do it," he said.
He also claimed global support for his approach, while criticizing other nations for not taking similar action.
"And I actually think it's very popular what I'm doing. I can tell you worldwide, the world is thanking me because I shouldn't be the one that's doing it. Other presidents should have done it long before me, and other countries should have done it. We were not helped by NATO at all. Other countries should have done it," he added.
Troop pullback under review
Separately, Trump said he would consider reducing US troop presence in parts of Europe, including Italy and Spain, following a broader review of military deployments. “Yeah, probably,” Trump said when asked about a potential pullout. “Why shouldn’t I?”
“Italy has not been of any help to us, and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible,” he added.
The remarks come after the administration initiated a review of troop levels in Germany, signaling a possible shift in US military posture across Europe.
