Trump claims Iran ‘in a state of collapse,’ wants Hormuz open amid leadership crisis

US President Donald Trump said Iran has indicated it is in severe internal distress and is seeking urgent relief.

“Iran has just informed us that they are in a ‘State of Collapse.’ They want us to ‘Open the Hormuz Strait,’ as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation (Which I believe they will be able to do!),” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.

The waterway has been at the centre of the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with disruptions to shipping contributing to rising global oil prices and market volatility.

Ongoing standoff with Iran

Recent reports suggest Iran has proposed reopening the Strait as part of negotiations, though disagreements over its nuclear programme and US demands remain unresolved.

Trump has repeatedly pressured Tehran to ensure free passage through the waterway, previously warning of severe consequences if it failed to do so.

Questions over Iran’s internal situation

Trump’s latest claim that Iran is in a “State of Collapse” and facing a leadership crisis has not been independently confirmed.

However, economic strain and internal divisions within Iran’s leadership have been reported amid the ongoing conflict and sanctions pressure.

Global implications

Any movement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz could have major implications for global energy markets and geopolitical stability, as the US and Iran remain locked in a high-stakes standoff with no clear resolution in sight.

Trump unhappy with Iran proposal

Trump is unhappy with Iran’s latest proposal to resolve the two-month conflict, according to a US official cited by Reuters, dampening expectations of a near-term breakthrough.

The war has already disrupted global energy supplies, fueled inflation and led to significant casualties, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a central flashpoint.

Iran has proposed easing its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its blockade and ending the war, according to regional officials cited by AP. Under the plan, discussions on Tehran’s nuclear programme would be deferred, focusing first on de-escalation in the critical shipping route.

White House says US reviewing proposal

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Monday (April 27) that Trump’s national security team met to discuss the proposal.

She said the president would address the matter later but did not provide details.

Iran steps up diplomatic outreach

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin, as part of a diplomatic push that also included stops in Pakistan.

The outreach comes as efforts intensify to revive stalled negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

Rubio flags nuclear concerns

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain the core issue.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that at some point in the future if this radical clerical regime remains in charge in Iran, they will decide they want a nuclear weapon,” Rubio told Fox News.

He added: “That fundamental issue still has to be confronted. That still remains the core issue here.”

Rubio also questioned Iran’s intent: “We can’t let them get away with it. We have to ensure that any deal that is made, any agreement that is made, is one that definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.”

Ceasefire talks falter

Recent ceasefire talks appear to have stalled before they could begin, with tensions rising over trust between the two sides.

Trump indicated frustration with the diplomatic process, posting: “If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!” “Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work!”

Planned talks in Islamabad involving US envoys were ultimately called off.

Fragile ceasefire

Despite an indefinite extension of the ceasefire, the US and Iran remain locked in a fragile standoff over the Strait of Hormuz.

The near-closure of the waterway has disrupted global shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas and other critical supplies, amplifying economic fallout as the conflict enters its third month.