Washington DC (US), April 22, 2026, BNN Web Staff :US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is grappling with a deepening financial crisis, alleging that the country is losing up to USD 500 million per day as tensions escalate over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump described Iran as “collapsing financially” and “starving for cash,” asserting that mounting economic pressure is beginning to strain its internal systems.
He further claimed that sections of Iran’s military and police forces are facing payment delays, pointing to growing unrest within the establishment.
The remarks come against the backdrop of a prolonged maritime standoff in the Persian Gulf region, where the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes—remains a focal point of geopolitical friction. Trump suggested that Tehran is now urgently seeking to reopen the waterway to mitigate economic losses.
According to the US President, Iran’s public stance on the closure of the strait does not reflect its actual position.
He alleged that while Tehran projects defiance, it is privately pushing for the resumption of normal shipping operations to restore revenue flows.
Trump argued that the ongoing blockade is severely impacting Iran’s economy, depriving it of critical oil income.
He also claimed that intermediaries have recently reached out to signal Iran’s willingness to de-escalate. However, Trump cautioned that lifting restrictions prematurely could weaken Washington’s bargaining position in any future negotiations.
Despite the heightened rhetoric, Trump announced an extension of the current ceasefire window, calling it an opportunity for diplomacy.
The move, however, appears unilateral, with no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities or regional actors regarding their participation.
Observers note that the situation remains fluid, with competing narratives emerging from both sides.
Analysts aligned with Tehran have questioned Washington’s intentions, suggesting the ceasefire extension could be a strategic manoeuvre rather than a genuine peace effort.
With the Strait of Hormuz continuing to sit at the centre of the crisis, concerns persist over potential disruptions to global energy supplies and maritime security.
The coming days are likely to be crucial in determining whether the current pause leads to dialogue or further escalation.
