Trump: They had better stop immediately!
Trump said, "There are reports that Iran is charging fees for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. I hope this isn't true. If it is, they had better stop immediately!"
Previously, Jonathan Karl, chief Washington correspondent for ABC News, reported that during an interview, when asked whether he opposed Iran imposing tolls on all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump responded:
"Perhaps we could establish a U.S.-Iran joint venture to collect these fees. We're considering implementing this scheme through a joint venture. It's a way to ensure security, especially protecting the strait from threats posed by other parties. It's a brilliant idea."
On one hand, Trump firmly demands Iran stop charging fees; on the other, he suggests supporting a U.S.-Iran partnership to collect tolls from the strait. These two statements appear contradictory at first glance, but in fact form part of the same narrative: Iran shouldn't enjoy benefits alone—America should share in the profits too. The latter may well reflect Trump’s true intention.
If so, it would amount to directly "taking a cut" from oil exports of Gulf states, which would ultimately be reflected in rising fuel prices.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1862033978784768/
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