As the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz continues, President Donald Trump, on late Wednesday, reshared a post on Truth Social proposing to rename the Strait of Hormuz the "Strait
of Trump". The post was accompanied by a map depicting the key maritime chokepoint under his name. This comes after Trump on Wednesday described the US naval blockade against Iran as "genius," asserting that Tehran would have to concede defeat while ruling out any agreement unless it abandons its nuclear ambitions. "The blockade is genius. The blockade has been 100% foolproof. It shows how good our Navy is, I can tell you that. Nobody's going to play games. We have the greatest military in the world and I built much of it during my first term and we've been building it since and the greatest anywhere in the world, nobody even close," Trump said. Trump stressed that any deal would hinge on nuclear concessions from Iran. "They've come a long way. The question is whether or not they're going to go far enough. So at this moment, there will never be a deal unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons," he said. Also Read: Iran Blames US For Price Hike, Says Trump Officials Offering Him 'Junk Advice'
Hormuz being used to pressure Iran: Trump
Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Axios, Trump indicated that the blockade, which is being used as a key tool to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme, would continue.
"The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can't have a nuclear weapon," Trump told Axios.
According to Axios, Trump rejected Iran's proposal to first reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade before holding nuclear talks. Instead, he has insisted that Iran address US concerns before any easing of restrictions.
The report added that while Trump currently views the blockade as his primary leverage, he could consider military action if Iran does not agree to negotiations.
(With agency inputs)
