Former U.S. President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz could be closed for months if no nuclear deal is reached with Iran.
The warning highlights the critical nature of the waterway for global energy supplies and the potential for severe economic disruption if diplomatic efforts fail.
Trump posted the comments on his social media account, X, to underscore the urgency of reaching a nuclear agreement. He said the economic impact of a prolonged closure would serve as a point of pressure for Tehran. According to the former president, a peace deal is largely negotiated, which would include the opening of the strait.
Other reports indicate a different perspective on the timeline of such a closure. While Trump emphasized the possibility of a months-long shutdown, some U.S. officials have reportedly worked to reopen the strait quickly, suggesting they do not expect a prolonged closure.
External intelligence assessments have touched upon the endurance of the Iranian government in these scenarios. One report noted that Iran can endure a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for months [1]. This suggests that while the global economy would suffer, the Iranian state may have the capacity to withstand such a maritime standoff for a significant period.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategic chokepoints, as it connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. A closure of this passage would halt the flow of oil and gas from several major producers, potentially triggering a global energy crisis.
Trump has previously said that there is good news regarding an Iran deal. His recent comments link the stability of international shipping lanes directly to the success of these diplomatic negotiations.
“the Strait of Hormuz could be closed for months if no nuclear deal is reached”
The tension surrounding the Strait of Hormuz underscores the intersection of nuclear diplomacy and global economic security. By framing the waterway's accessibility as a bargaining chip, Trump is highlighting the fragility of the global oil supply chain. The discrepancy between Trump's warnings and the reported efforts of U.S. officials to ensure a quick reopening suggests a strategic divide in how the U.S. may project power and diplomacy toward Tehran.
