Trump says oil will flow with or without Iran, warns Tehran against tanker fees in Hormuz, claims victory, and attacks critics, offering no details as tensions around the vital route persist.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said oil would begin flowing very quickly, with or without the help of Iran, escalating rhetoric around energy routes and tensions in the Gulf, while offering no details on how that would be achieved.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that “very quickly, you’ll see Oil start flowing, with or without the help of Iran and, to me, it makes no difference, either way,” suggesting confidence in restoring or maintaining supply flows despite uncertainty around Tehran’s role.
The remarks come amid heightened focus on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Rising tensions in the Middle East have disrupted energy markets and raised concerns over global supply stability.
Trump, in a separate post, also warned against reports that Iran could impose charges on tankers passing through the route.
Reports have indicated that Iran may seek to impose transit fees on vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Western leaders have rejected the idea, opposing any requirement for ships to pay such charges.
Iran will require ships to pay transit tolls in cryptocurrency to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz during a two-week ceasefire with the United States, the Financial Times reported, citing Hamid Hosseini, a spokesperson for Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union.
“There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait — They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!” he wrote.
Trump paired the warning with a broader defense of his Iran policy, claiming a decisive outcome and rejecting criticism from The Wall Street Journal. “Actually, it is a Victory, and there’s nothing ‘premature’ about it!” he said, adding that the newspaper would “live to eat their words.” “They are always quick to criticize, but never to admit when they’re wrong, which is most of the time,” he wrote
He further declared that “because of me, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” framing the current moment as a strategic success while signalling that oil market stability would follow.
The statements did not clarify whether the expected oil flows would involve diplomatic breakthroughs, military deterrence, or alternative supply arrangements. Energy markets have remained sensitive to any disruption in Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s crude exports passes daily.
While Trump’s comments project confidence, analysts note that any sustained shift in oil flows in the region would depend heavily on developments involving Iran and maritime security in the Gulf.
The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate with attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases. The conflict has driven up oil prices and unsettled global markets.
Strikes involving Israel and Iran, along with Israeli attacks in Lebanon, have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday, after earlier warning of severe escalation against the country.
Article source: indiatoday.in
