Trump Declares Iran 'Dying,' Claims US Control of Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump asserted on Saturday that Iran is "dying" and has "outsmarted itself" by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway now under what he described as America's "wall of steel."

Speaking to reporters, Trump confirmed he had rejected Iran's latest ceasefire proposal, stating that Tehran was desperate to reopen the strait due to financial losses. The proposal, according to Iranian officials, included reopening the strait and resuming nuclear talks in exchange for U.S. concessions, such as lifting the naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump characterized Iran's offer as "unacceptable," claiming the country sought a deal "because they're dying" and experiencing a financial shortfall. He asserted that the U.S. had imposed "the greatest blockade ever in military history" and maintained "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's traded oil flowed before the ongoing conflict.

"Because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait, so they outsmarted themselves," Trump stated. He also mentioned that 29 ships carrying "massive amounts of oil" exited the strait on Friday night. He added, "They don't have any money now, because they wanted to close the strait, and I said, 'That's fine. We're gonna close it on you, but everybody else is able to use it.'"

Trump also taunted Iran on Truth Social, posting an image related to a "Trump Strait." The President had previously warned during his address to the United Nations General Assembly that he could "annihilate" Iran if a deal was not reached to end the nearly seven-month war.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump informed his aides that he anticipates continuing to bomb Iran after the midterm elections in November. The President expressed belief that a deal would be reached "right after the election because it doesn't make sense for them not to," adding, "They're waiting to see how I do in the midterm election. What they don't realize is that I'm not running."

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the war have contributed to rising global crude prices, impacting gasoline costs for Americans and becoming a significant concern ahead of the midterms, with a Fox News poll indicating that 61 percent of voters consider gas prices a major issue.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had indicated that an agreement "would be much better if it is done before the midterm election," according to CNBC, though he added that the decision rested with the U.S. administration and that Iran was "not in a hurry."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at the UN General Assembly, stated that "it cannot be the case that everyone benefits from the Strait of Hormuz while we are denied access to shipping through this waterway." He also warned that "the resistance of the Iranian people will only increase in the face of sanctions, increased pressure, increased bullying."

President Pezeshkian concluded his remarks at the UN gathering and departed New York for Tehran.

The war began on February 28 following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that resulted in the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other family members. U.S. special peace mission envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with an Iranian delegation in New York on Tuesday. Trump described the meeting as "very productive" and noted "a lot of momentum for them to make a deal."