President Insists on Waterway Access as Key to Deal, Despite Ongoing Conflict
US President Donald Trump insisted on Friday that Iran must open the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to oil traffic as a condition for a peace deal, while accidentally renaming the waterway the “Strait of Trump” during a public address.
Speaking at the Saudi-backed FII Priority investment forum in Miami, the 79-year-old president claimed negotiations were ongoing to end a month-long war with Iran. “They have to open up the Strait of Trump — I mean Hormuz. Excuse me, I’m so sorry. Such a terrible mistake,” Trump said, before adding, “there’s no accidents with me, not too many.”
A Pattern of Renaming and Strategic Demands
The incident reflects a broader pattern during Trump’s second term, which has seen several Washington institutions renamed in his honor. He referenced renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” shortly after returning to power and previously renamed the Kennedy Center the “Trump-Kennedy Centre.”
Trump reiterated his assertion that Iran is “on the run,” claiming significant damage has been inflicted on Tehran’s leadership, navy, air force, and nuclear program. He stated that opening the strait is a non-negotiable point for a deal. “We’re negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up,” he told the forum.
Global Energy Chokepoint at a Standstill
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a critical global energy chokepoint, typically handling one-fifth of the world’s oil. The waterway has been effectively closed to through traffic since the outbreak of hostilities, contributing to a surge in global energy prices.
Earlier on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns that Iran might seek to establish a permanent tolling system for vessels in the strait should it regain control. The US administration has also floated the idea of seizing Iranian oil assets, mirroring its policy toward Venezuela, despite the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s comments, blending a diplomatic ultimatum with a characteristic personal branding gaffe, underscore the unconventional nature of the negotiations and the high stakes for global energy markets reliant on the free flow of oil through the region.
