The Only Reason They Are Alive Is To Negotiate – Donald Trump

US President Donald J. Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, declaring that the Islamic Republic holds no meaningful cards in the ongoing crisis beyond temporary disruption of global oil flows through international waterways.

In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump stated: “The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!”

The remark comes amid heightened tensions following the US-Israel military campaign against Iran that began in late February 2026. Iran’s partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint carrying about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, has triggered sharp spikes in global crude prices and disrupted shipping lanes.

NaijaChoice News reports that the latest Trump statement reflects Washington’s push for a swift resolution after a two-week ceasefire was announced earlier this week, conditional on Iran reopening the strait for safe passage.

Analysts say the waterway remains the focal point, with Tehran accused of using it as leverage amid demands over its nuclear programme and ballistic missiles. Trump had earlier set deadlines and threatened strikes on Iranian infrastructure before agreeing to the temporary pause, brokered partly through Pakistani mediation.

For Nigeria, the developments carry direct economic weight. As Africa’s largest oil producer, the country stands to gain from elevated international crude prices caused by the Hormuz disruptions. However, prolonged instability could also fuel domestic fuel costs and inflation, given Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products.

Oil market watchers in Lagos note that Brent crude has hovered well above $100 per barrel in recent weeks, boosting foreign exchange earnings for the Federal Government but raising concerns over energy security across the continent.

The Trump administration has repeatedly stressed that Iran must negotiate seriously or risk further isolation. As of Friday, no fresh response from Tehran has been confirmed, though Iranian officials have insisted on their right to control traffic in the Gulf.