Trump warns Iran to open Hormuz or get 'hit very hard'
US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with severe consequences if negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz fail. Iran, currently in control of the waterway, is negotiating a transit agreement with Oman while citing US naval blockades as the primary cause of regional insecurity.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint; any prolonged closure or conflict there threatens global oil supplies and economic stability.
Iran and Oman have agreed a route for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz and are putting the final touches on arrangements for jointly managing the passage, Tehran's foreign ministry has said.
Iran has seized de facto control of the strait, a strategic waterway for the global energy trade, since the United States and Israel launched their war against the country on 28 February.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted Tehran is keen to do a deal to reopen the route to shipping, but Iran denies this and says it will instead make arrangements with its neighbour across the strait, Oman.
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