Washington, Mar. 30 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, that the ongoing conflict with Iran has led to a “shift” in the country’s leadership and expressed confidence that a deal with Tehran could be reached.
“I think we’ll make a deal with them, I’m sure of it, but we have seen a change in leadership,” Trump said, referring to developments following more than a month of fighting.
He added that Washington is now engaging with “different people,” saying, “We are dealing now with people nobody has dealt with before. It’s a completely different group of people, so I consider that a change in leadership.”
Trump also indicated that arrangements had been made for 20 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route affected by the conflict. “They gave us, I think out of respect, 20 oil tankers,” he said, adding that the vessels would begin transiting the strait on Monday over several days.
The U.S. president said the move could help ease pressure on global oil markets, which have faced volatility amid disruptions to energy flows.
On military options, Trump said the United States could seize Iran’s Kharg Island, a major oil export hub. “We might take Kharg Island, or maybe not. We have many options. I don’t think they have any defenses. We could take it very easily,” he said in response to a question about the island’s defenses.
Kharg Island handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude oil exports and hosts key oil terminals, accounting for about 90 percent of the country’s shipments, according to U.S. financial institution JPMorgan.
The remarks come amid escalating regional tensions that have disrupted energy supplies and contributed to instability in global markets.
R.H
