Trump: US will open Strait of Hormuz if there is 'positive development'

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump said that Washington is ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, not only if an agreement is reached, but also if there is a “very positive” development.

“We have full control over the Strait of Hormuz, and it will be opened if they reach an agreement or if a very positive development occurs,” Trump told reporters on Thursday.

He added that Iran is suspected to receive $500 million (approximately Rp8.7 trillion) per day if the strait is opened, and Washington cannot allow that to happen until an agreement is reached.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties.

Washington and Tehran then announced a two-week ceasefire starting on 7 April. The two parties subsequently held talks in Islamabad, but they ended without results.

Although there was no announcement of the resumption of hostilities, the United States began a blockade of Iranian ports.

On 21 April, Trump said that the United States would extend the ceasefire with Iran while continuing the naval blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.