Trump says Iran is heading toward 'collapse,' hopes Tehran sorts out leadership

President Trump on Tuesday said Iran is in a "state of collapse" as he squeezes the Islamic republic by blockading its ports.

Mr. Trump said the pressure is forcing Iran to consider ways to reopen critical waterways and reach a unified proposal for peace.

"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!)," Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Iran has given no outward sign that it will bend to Mr. Trump's demands. Rather, it has taunted the U.S. side on social media, insisting it has cards to play as the world suffers from oil shortfalls and Americans see higher prices at the pump.