28 April,2026 09:04 PM IST | Washington DC | mid-day online correspondent
Donald Trump. Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that Iran is facing a "state of collapse" and has approached the United States to help reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The remarks were made in a post on Truth Social, where Trump suggested that Tehran is dealing with internal leadership challenges.
According to Trump, Iranian authorities have conveyed their urgency to restore access to the key maritime route while managing domestic political developments. However, there has been no official confirmation from Iran regarding these claims.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical energy corridors, with a significant share of global oil shipments passing through it. Any disruption in the strait has immediate implications for international energy markets and global trade.
Recent developments have heightened concerns among global stakeholders, as tensions in the region continue to impact maritime security and oil prices. Analysts note that prolonged instability in the strait could further strain global supply chains.
According to reports citing US officials, Iran has put forward a proposal aimed at restoring maritime traffic through the strait as part of broader efforts to ease tensions. The proposal reportedly defers key issues, including Tehran's nuclear programme, to future negotiations.
The proposal was delivered to Washington in recent days and is currently under review by the US administration.
During a high-level meeting with national security officials, Trump reportedly expressed reservations about accepting the proposal in its current form. Concerns have been raised within the administration that reopening the strait without addressing Iran's nuclear activities could weaken US leverage in ongoing negotiations.
Officials have pointed to Iran's uranium enrichment programme and its reported stockpile of near weapons-grade material as critical issues that must be addressed before any agreement is reached.
While rejecting the proposal could maintain diplomatic pressure on Iran, it also carries economic consequences. Continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to rising global energy prices, which in turn have affected fuel costs in the United States and other countries.
Policy experts suggest that the US faces a complex balancing act between maintaining strategic pressure on Iran and mitigating economic fallout from prolonged instability in the region.
The White House has acknowledged that the proposal is under discussion at the highest levels. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump met with his national security team to review the situation.
She stated that while discussions are ongoing, no final decision has been made and further clarity is expected directly from the President. The administration is expected to outline its position in the coming days as developments continue to unfold.
With multiple factors at play - including geopolitical tensions, energy security concerns, and nuclear negotiations - the situation surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz remains highly dynamic.
(With inputs from Agencies)
