Washington: As tensions with Iran continue, US President Donald Trump on Friday posted a map on Social Truth depicting the Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait”. Hormuz is a strategic waterway for global supply chain.
US President Trump's post came after Iran proposed a seven-day framework to reopen the strait and restart negotiations over its nuclear programme. The proposal, presented by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, links the reopening of the crucial shipping route to several conditions that Tehran wants Washington to accept.
Trump Rejects Iran's Seven-Day Proposal
According to reports, Trump rejected Iran's latest proposal and remained skeptical about whether Tehran would meet US demands. Trump continuously reiterating that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and that renewed US military action remained possible.
Under Araghchi's proposal, normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could resume within seven days if Washington lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waived sanctions on Iranian oil sales and observed a ceasefire that includes Lebanon.
“If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened, a normal maritime passage restored within seven days. The choice now rests with the United States,” Araghchi said.
“The seven-day timeline will start as soon as the United States accepts this plan,” he added.
Trump Has Previously Floated US Control
This is not the first time that Trump has raised the possibility of changing the status or name of the Strait of Hormuz. In August, he backed the idea of declaring the strategic waterway a US territory and said Washington already had control through its naval blockade.
“I think it's a great idea. I mean, we control it with the blockade. I like the idea of declaring it a territory. We have total control over the Strait,” Trump said.
Hormuz Remains Key To Iran-US Standoff
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of leverage in the confrontation between Iran and the United States. The strategically located waterway is a crucial route for global energy shipments, with roughly a fifth of the world's traded oil and gas traditionally passing through it.
Disruptions to maritime traffic have affected energy markets, while the continuing standoff has added pressure on Washington as it approaches the US midterm elections.
Iran's latest proposal directly connects the reopening of the waterway with the lifting of the US blockade, sanctions relief and a renewed diplomatic process over its nuclear programme. Washington's response will determine whether the seven-day framework can move forward.