Trump suggests “finishing off” Iran, urges allies to act on Hormuz

2026-03-18 - 13:30

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested “finishing off” the “Iranian Terror State” and called on countries relying on the Strait of Hormuz to take responsibility, criticizing what he called “non-responsive” allies.“I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so-called ‘Strait?’” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.“That would get some of our non-responsive ‘allies’ in gear, and fast,” he added.His remarks come amid escalating tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that began on Feb. 28.The strikes have reportedly killed around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.Tehran has also effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since March 1, prompting calls from Washington for allies, including China, to help reopen the key global shipping route.