Trump Proposes 'Joint Control' of Strait of Hormuz With Iran's Supreme Leader

Trump publicly proposed that he and Iran's ayatollah could 'jointly' control the Strait of Hormuz, stating 'Maybe me. Me and the Ayatollah, whoever the Ayatollah is.' The remark represents a significant rhetorical concession acknowledging Iranian influence over the waterway. Two regional diplomats indicated Tehran would welcome US recognition of Iranian authority over the strait. Iran has already established de facto control through military force, collecting transit fees and guiding approved vessels through safe corridors. Iran's parliament speaker simultaneously denied any negotiations have occurred, creating a diplomatic dissonance between Trump's claims of 'very good and productive conversations' and Tehran's public posture.