President Donald Trump on Sunday warned of potential consequences if the Strait of Hormuz were to close, following Iran’s announcement the previous day that it had closed the waterway and U.S. assertions that shipping continued normally. The developments occur against the backdrop of a fragile interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending recent hostilities, with a 60-day period for further negotiations.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared on Saturday, June 20, that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, the second such instance in as many days. Iranian officials cited Israeli military actions in Lebanon as violations of commitments under a memorandum of understanding reached earlier in the month. The declaration included warnings that vessels approaching the strait would face risks.
U.S. officials disputed the Iranian claim of closure. The U.S. Central Command reported that 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil. U.S. forces stated they would continue to monitor the situation and ensure commercial traffic proceeds.
Vice President JD Vance further indicated in an interview that he had seen no evidence the strait was closed.
While speaking with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst on Sunday, Trump threatened fierce military action if the strait were to be closed again. “You close it and you won’t have a country,” the president reportedly said. “You won’t even make it back to your fu*king country,” he added in reference to Iran’s diplomatic delegation.
“We may take over the Strait, if we have to,” Trump said. “If they don’t make a deal, we’ll collect tolls.” The president added the U.S. could become the “Guardian Angel” of the Strait, and take 20% of the oil.
The fiery comments come as Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland on Sunday for talks with Iranian officials near Lake Lucerne. The discussions, involving mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, focus on implementing the interim agreement, including technical details on the nuclear program and other issues. Vance characterized the meetings as an opportunity to address remaining questions.
