Trump Warns Iran of New Strikes and Threatens Control of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump continued to threaten Iran on Sunday even as negotiations were beginning in Switzerland. Speaking to Fox News, he said that if Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, “there will not be a country left for them.” He also said the United States could act as a “protector” of the strait, charge about 20% of oil shipments, and even take control of it if needed.

In a post on his social network, Trump warned that Iran must immediately stop its “proxies” in Lebanon, which he described as “well-paid,” from causing trouble. “If they do not, we will hit Iran again very hard, just as we did last week, only harder!!!” he wrote. He also said that if no deal is reached, “I will blow them to pieces” and that the US would collect “tolls.”

Trump said the current memorandum being discussed with Iran is only an extension of a ceasefire. “If I want,” he said, “I can do whatever I want after sixty days.” He was responding to comments earlier in the day by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who said the US’s only concern is that Iran not obtain a nuclear bomb, but added that Iran will not give up its right to uranium enrichment.

Trump replied sharply that Pezeshkian “should keep his mouth shut” and “get himself together, or we will take over the rest of the country.” He also said he was disappointed that Israel has not managed to defeat Hezbollah in Lebanon, and suggested he was close to allowing Syria to fight Hezbollah if Israel cannot finish the task without “bringing down some buildings.” On Hamas in Gaza, Trump said the group is not currently causing many problems and argued that once the Iran issue is settled, many other things will also fall into place.