US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Iran has approached Washington seeking a “ceasefire” stating that the “new regime president is much less radicalised”. He also blasted Tehran saying that any consideration of ceasefire would depend on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!”“We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!” the US president added.
However, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman has called Trump’s remarks on Tehran allegedly asking for a ceasefire “false and baseless.”Trump’s remarks came after he earlier suggested that the US could soon exit the conflict. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said, “We’ll be leaving very soon,” adding that a withdrawal could happen “within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three.”“Iran doesn’t have to make a deal, no,” he said, stressing that the key objective is to ensure Tehran cannot quickly develop a nuclear weapon. “Then we’ll leave,” he added.On the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Trump indicated that the US would not take responsibility for securing the passage. “That’s not for us. That’ll be for France. That’ll be for whoever’s using the strait,” he said, adding there is “no reason for us to do this.”In remarks that could reshape US alliances, Trump also told The Telegraph that leaving Nato was now “beyond reconsideration,” saying, “I was never swayed by Nato. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.”Earlier, Trump lashed out at US allies for not backing Washington in the conflict, urging them to secure their own energy supplies.“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom… Number 1, buy from the US, we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just take it,” he posted.“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won’t be there to help you anymore… Go get your own oil!” he added.The comments come after Nato allies declined to support US calls to deploy forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route disrupted during the conflict with Iran. Nearly 20% of global oil flows through the strait, and its closure has driven volatility in global energy markets.
