"The agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now concluded. Congratulations to everyone. I hereby fully authorize the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to free transit and, at the same time, authorize the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow." This is what Donald Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth last night in Italy.
The US president subsequently made a correction to the timing: with the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, "scheduled for Friday, coinciding with the signing of the agreement and to allow for mine clearance operations, oil will once again flow freely, to the benefit of both the region and the rest of the world."
And then, after social media, came a long interview with the New York Times, during which the tycoon threatened to resume attacks against Tehran if Iran did not reach a definitive nuclear deal with the US – a process that is due to begin on Friday in Switzerland – or to make the United States "the guardian of the Middle East" in exchange for 20% of the region's revenues.
Trump added that Iran would ultimately guarantee a “permanently toll-free” Strait of Hormuz, claiming it had saved Israel from nuclear annihilation, despite Prime Minister Netanyahu’s objections.
Tehran's reaction
The Iranian armed forces declared they humiliated the United States and Israel during the war against the Islamic Republic, following the announcement of the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington. Iran "imposed its divine and iron will on its humiliated American and Zionist enemies. The enemy has no choice but to accept defeat and surrender," the Iranian General Staff said in a statement broadcast on state television.
Meloni: With Parliament's approval, yes to sending ships
"Last night, we, along with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, expressed our strong appreciation for the memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran in the past few hours. Heartfelt thanks go to all the mediators, and especially to Qatar and Pakistan, who made this agreement possible. This is an opportunity for peace that must be seized: This was stated in a statement by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
