Trump vows Hormuz 'open very soon', shocks with Iran power-share: 'Me and the Ayatollah'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Monday, March 23, that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen “very soon” as negotiations between the United States and Iran continue.

Speaking to CNN, Trump suggested the key shipping route might eventually be jointly controlled by both countries. 

He also described ongoing discussions with Iranian officials as productive, despite public denials from Tehran. The remarks come amid heightened tensions and continued military exchanges between the two sides.

Trump proposes joint control of Hormuz Strait

Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments, would be operational again soon if diplomatic efforts continued. 

“That’ll be open very soon,” he said when asked about the timeline for reopening. He went further, proposing an unusual framework for oversight of the waterway.

“It’ll be jointly controlled,” Trump said. “Me and the Ayatollah, whoever the Ayatollah is, whoever the next Ayatollah is.”

Trump also linked recent military developments to political changes within Iran.

“And there’ll also be a very serious form of regime change,” he said, referencing early strikes in the conflict.

“There’s automatically a regime change,” he added, while suggesting that diplomatic engagement could still bring a resolution.

Despite emphasizing US military strength, Trump said discussions with Iranian counterparts had shown signs of progress.

“But we’re dealing with some people that I find to be very reasonable, very solid,” he said. “The people within know who they are, they’re very respected, and maybe one of them will be exactly what we’re looking for.”

Trump cites 'major points of agreement' as talks with Iran continue

Trump said the United States was in contact with a senior figure within Iran’s leadership, though not the country’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

“A top person,” Trump said. “Don’t forget, we’ve wiped out the leadership phase one, phase two and largely, phase three. But we’re dealing with the man who, I believe, is the most respected, and the leader.”

He declined to identify the individual, saying, “I can’t name the person … because I don’t want him to be killed.”

Trump added that the US had not heard directly from the supreme leader, referring to him as “the son” and “the second supreme leader,” and stating, “We don’t know if he’s living.”

Trump said discussions were ongoing and could soon advance to direct engagement.

“We’re going to get together today, probably by phone,” he said, adding that an in-person meeting could follow.

“We’re doing a five-day period. We’ll see how that goes. And if it goes well, we’re going to end up settling this. Otherwise, we’ll just keep bombing our little hearts out,” he added.

While Iranian state media has denied that talks are taking place, Trump maintained that negotiations are progressing.

“We have had very, very strong talks,” he said. “We’ll see where they lead. We have points, major points of agreement, I would say almost all points of agreement.”