Strait of Hormuz
Me and the Ayatollah? Donald Trump floats US–Iran plan to run Strait of Hormuz together
US President Donald Trump said the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a vital global oil corridor disrupted by the Middle East conflict—could reopen soon if talks with Iran succeed, even suggesting potential joint management in the future.
Speaking to reporters, Trump remarked, “Maybe me… me and the Ayatollah,” in response to a question on who might oversee the route.
The Strait of Hormuz carries about one-fifth of global oil supply. Recent hostilities have sharply reduced shipping traffic and driven up energy prices worldwide.
In a separate Truth Social post, Trump said he has ordered a five-day postponement of planned US strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing “very good and productive” discussions with Iran on resolving the broader Middle East crisis.
“Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations… I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes… for a five-day period,” he wrote.
Shift from ultimatum to engagement
The move signals a notable shift from Trump’s earlier hardline stance. Days ago, he had issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Tehran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure would trigger US strikes and the “obliteration” of key Iranian facilities—raising fears of wider escalation in West Asia.
Iran denies talks
However, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected Trump’s claims, stating on X that no negotiations had taken place. He alleged such reports were “fake news” aimed at influencing financial and oil markets and deflecting from pressures facing the US and Israel.
2/ No negotiations have been held with the US, and fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) March 23, 2026
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