Trump: Strait of Hormuz 'Would Never Have Opened' Without Iran Deal

President Donald Trump’s latest statements, circulated Wednesday afternoon following his appearance at the G7 summit, have intensified the debate over the strategic concessions made to Tehran. According to material reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk, the President explicitly linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global energy artery—to the successful conclusion of the nuclear negotiations. Trump argued that without the current diplomatic framework, the waterway "would never have opened," leading to a catastrophic global economic downturn. ### Economic Necessity vs. Strategic Leverage The President’s rhetoric has shifted toward a purely economic justification for the agreement. By framing the alternative to the deal as a global recession, Trump is positioning the agreement as a safeguard for international markets. He directed sharp criticism at those opposing the deal, stating, "There are stupid people who want to see a global recession. They are just stupid people." This economic focus aligns with earlier reports from Israel Hayom, suggesting the administration is convinced that lowering oil prices and securing maritime routes are paramount, even at the cost of significant diplomatic friction with Jerusalem. ### Reinforcing the Iranian Position Analysts noted that Trump’s public admission regarding the necessity of the Strait’s reopening may inadvertently strengthen the Iranian negotiating position. By acknowledging that the U.S. viewed the closure as a primary driver for the deal, the President effectively validated Tehran's use of maritime threats as strategic leverage. Despite these concerns, Trump maintained his absolute confidence in the agreement's security provisions, repeating his claim that there is a "99.9%" chance Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons under the new terms. ### Outlook for the Region As the administration pivots from the kinetic pressure of previous operations toward the finalized memorandum of understanding, the strategic gap between Washington and Jerusalem remains wide. While Trump views the deal as a victory for global stability and the American economy, security officials in Israel remain skeptical of the long-term restrictions on Tehran's nuclear infrastructure and its regional proxy network. The full reopening of the Strait, which Trump previously indicated could be completed by Friday, remains the central immediate benchmark for the deal's implementation.