- Donald Trump proposed the extraordinary idea of "joint leadership" of Iran, suggesting he could run the country alongside an unnamed Iranian leader.
- Trump claimed successful negotiations were underway with Tehran, indicating a "very serious form of regime change" and potential "joint control" of the Strait of Hormuz.
- He specifically suggested that he and "the new Ayatollah" could jointly control the Strait of Hormuz.
- Within hours, Mohammad Bager Galibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, denied any negotiations with Washington, dismissing Trump's claims as "fake news" used to manipulate markets.
- Trump had earlier postponed airstrikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, citing the "constructive conversations" and an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which initially caused Brent crude oil prices to fall.
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