Trump Continues Pressure on Iran, Oil Prices Surge Amid Hormuz Blockade
US President Donald Trump threatened Iran in a post on Truth Social early Wednesday morning. He stated that Tehran “better get smart” regarding the non-nuclear deal. The post was accompanied by an AI-generated image of Trump holding a gun, with the caption “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!”
The statement came as the Strait of Hormuz is said to remain blockaded and the continuation of negotiations with Iran remains uncertain. Efforts to resume negotiations have reportedly stalled in recent days, including a planned trip by US negotiators to Islamabad, Pakistan, which Trump canceled.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the US “holds all the cards” and asserted that if Iran wants to talk, “they can come to us, or they can call us.” The article also noted that previous talks led by Vice President JD Vance ended without an agreement.
For Tehran’s part, Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade of Iranian ports and the war ends, as confirmed by White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt on Monday. The proposal is said to delay negotiations on Iran's nuclear ambitions to the next stage, while Reuters reported on Tuesday that Trump was dissatisfied with the proposal and the White House is expected to prepare a counteroffer.
Energy markets responded with rising oil prices: WTI futures rose 2.82% to $102.75 after Trump's post, while Brent crude rose 3% to close at $114.62. Prices were already at high levels after the United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it would withdraw from OPEC on May 1, adding to supply uncertainty; market participants are now monitoring the direction of the US response to Iran's proposal, the status of the Hormuz blockade, and any signs of further supply disruptions that could extend the risk premium in oil. (gn)
Source: Newsmaker.id
