'Me And New Ayatollah': Trump Talks About Joint Control Of Hormuz, Says Strait To Open 'Very Soon'

Last Updated:March 23, 2026, 20:17 IST

Donald Trump pauses strikes on Iran, touts talks on nuclear issues, hints at joint control of Strait of Hormuz and a possible swift deal lowering oil prices.

Hours after putting a pause on strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, President Donald Trump on Monday said the Strait of Hormuz may be jointly controlled by the US and Iran.

In reply to a question on who would control the Strait, Trump said: “Maybe me. Me and the ayatollah, whoever the ayatollah is."

He also said that oil prices “will drop like a rock" as soon as both countries reach a deal.

He pointed out that the United States and Iran have reached “major points of agreement" in recent talks, which could lead to a resolution of the ongoing Middle East conflict if the current five-day pause in strikes goes well.

Check Latest Updates On Iran-Israel War Status Today

The five-day pause in strikes comes hours ahead of a previous deadline that threatened to escalate the four-week-long conflict further.

Speaking to reporters in Florida before boarding Air Force One, Trump said the talks, which he claims took place with a “highly respected" Iranian official, focused on ensuring Iran gives up its nuclear ambitions and enriched uranium stockpile.

“We’ve wiped out the leadership phase one, phase two, and largely phase three. But we’re dealing with the man who I believe is the most respected and the leader," Trump told the media.

“We want no enrichment, but we also want the enriched uranium," he added.

Trump added that his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner had participated in the discussions.

Also Read: Trump Says ‘Major Points Of Agreement’ Reached With Iran, 5-Day Pause Could Lead To Deal

He said the conversations that began on Sunday would continue on Monday, and if they progress productively, a deal could be reached very soon.

“I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East," he wrote on Truth Social earlier, explaining his decision to postpone all US strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for five days.

Also Read: After Trump Pauses Strikes, Israeli Military Launches Attacks In ‘Heart Of Tehran’

Addressing questions on the location and status of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said he had not heard from him directly and does not want any harm to come to him.

He also declined to discuss potential US military strategies in Iran, saying, “We don’t talk strategy."

Trump claimed the initiative for talks came from Iran and that Washington did not reach out first. Iran has not officially responded, though the semi-official Mehr News Agency denied that any negotiations are taking place between Tehran and Washington.

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