U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a joint venture to control navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a continued military presence in the region.
Trump Suggests Joint Control of Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump, in an interview with ABC News on Wednesday, stated that the United States could consider joint control of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, including the establishment of a joint venture.
Trump also announced the continued presence of American forces in the region.
Securing the Strait and Transit Fees
“We are looking at creating a joint venture. It’s a way of securing the strait, and also securing it against many other people,” Trump said when asked if he would allow Iran to collect transit fees for the strategic waterway. He added, “It’s a beautiful thing.”
Iran’s Enrichment Capabilities and Future Agreements
Trump reiterated that he would not allow Iran to maintain any uranium enrichment capabilities, despite repeated assurances from Tehran that it would not relinquish those capabilities.
He announced that American forces in the Middle East would remain in the region to enforce future agreements, anticipating the start of peace talks on Friday and their rapid progression.
China’s Role and Iranian Coordination
The President also confirmed media reports that China played a key role in contacts with Iran.
Trump had previously suggested he might “control with the ayatollah” the transport through Hormuz and collect transit fees. These statements differed from those of Iranian authorities.
On the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that movement through the strait would take place “in coordination with the Iranian armed forces and with consideration of technical limitations.” According to AP, both Iran and Oman, on the other side of the Strait, are expected to collect fees from ships passing through.
