Trump Claims US Has ‘Total Control’ of Strait of Hormuz
United States President Donald Trump has declared that the US is in “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz as Washington and Tehran remain locked in a dispute over the reopening of the strategically important waterway.
Trump made the assertion while speaking with reporters at Joint Base Andrews, insisting that the situation involving Iran was progressing despite persistent disagreements between the two countries.
“Iran is going fine, going just absolutely fine. We totally control the Strait of Hormuz. We have control over it; nobody else, only us. Our navy is unbelievable, and things going great for our country,” Trump said.
He further expressed his distrust of Tehran, arguing that Iran had repeatedly failed to keep its word.
“I don’t trust Iran. I’m the last person to trust Iran; they’ve lied to me constantly. We have total control over the Hormuz Strait right now; they don’t have control,” he added.
Trump’s comments come as the United States and Iran continue to trade demands concerning the reopening of the waterway, adding another layer of uncertainty to diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing their five-month conflict to an end.
While Washington has acknowledged its participation in the discussions, Tehran says its direct negotiations are being conducted with Oman. Iran has also suggested that Oman should share responsibility for the future management of the strategic passage.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Before the US-Israel war with Iran began at the end of February, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed through the waterway.
The dispute has also widened into a disagreement over compensation.
Trump said on Monday that he would demand payment from Iran over deaths and injuries linked to conflicts and attacks stretching back several decades.
His demand came after Tehran called for reparations over the recent war and said it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless Washington first addressed its political and economic demands.
The competing positions have left the fate of the waterway uncertain, with both sides maintaining firm positions as diplomatic efforts continue.
