WASHINGTON (TNND) — The United States is in a standoff with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz as President Donald Trump shifts strategy in what was described as a major pivot.
Trump scrapped an earlier plan for a 20% fee on cargo transiting the strait and instead announced he is pursuing major trade and investment deals with Gulf states. He also declared a full blockade on Iranian ports and shipping while keeping the waterway open to everyone else.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands told The National News Desk she sees parallels between securing vital chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. strategic interests in the Arctic, including Greenland. Sands argued that China is a central factor across multiple global flashpoints, saying, “The number one issue is that China is not able to overtake the United States and basically become a kind of communist global order, which is what they’re attempting to implement around the world.”
Sands said Trump is “using every tool in the toolbox” in dealing with Iran, describing the situation as “a really big intractable problem” involving “almost 100 million people.” She said, “The Iranian people deserve to have good leadership,” and described Iran’s leadership as “this oppressive regime.”
Sands also said she fears escalation, stating, “I fear that President Trump is going to have to bomb them back to the Stone Age.” She added, “Unless the whole all the hydra heads are cut off and the IRGC is taken out, I don’t think this is like Iraq. I think he actually has to take out these insane Revolutionary Guard leaders.”
The discussion also turned to U.S. relations with Europe and Greenland. When asked whether the Trump administration would pull more U.S. troops out of Europe, Trump responded, “I haven’t made that five, but a lot is going to depend on really, and a lot, lot make a very good deal. Agreed. And if we don’t, maybe I will.”
The broadcast also described a Trump post to his Truth Social account featuring an AI-generated image of him showing a map depicting Greenland under U.S. control with an American flag.
Sands said Trump is “the dealmaker in chief” and argued that U.S. control of Greenland has been discussed by presidents “for 150 years.” She said, “President Trump knows how to make a deal and he’s not going to do a bad deal.” Sands claimed Greenlanders would “benefit economically,” and said, “He’s going to secure our country by controlling the territory of Greenland.”
Sands criticized Denmark’s ability and willingness to develop and defend Greenland, saying, “Denmark can’t afford to develop it, can’t afford to defend it, has never, ever been able to defend it.” She added, “President Trump will bring that island into the 21st century with beneficial trade deals, but also he’ll make sure that we’re secure.”
Sands said she is “very gratified” that Trump is taking on what she called hard problems that other presidents did not, adding that “many of them showed feckless leadership.”