Trump says U.S. has mine-swept 'entire' Strait of Hormuz, claims strait is open

U.S. President Donald Trump declared on August 10 that the United States Navy has thoroughly mine-swept the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the strategically vital waterway is now fully open and under American control. During a press conference at the White House, Trump maintained this stance despite Iran's reported claim that the strait would remain closed until Washington accedes to Tehran's demands, including war reparations and the lifting of a U.S. naval blockade.

The president emphasized that the U.S. Navy has successfully maintained an "infallible" blockade that specifically targets vessels heading to or from Iran. He further claimed that the U.S. has diligently swept the entire strait for mines, although Iran occasionally deploys mines, which are promptly detected and neutralized by American forces.

Trump stated that the strait is now "open for others (except for Iran)" and stressed U.S. control over the area, declaring, "We control the strait 100 percent." He also suggested that Iran is "broke" with no financial resources and no ability to pay its soldiers, noting that the country is experiencing hyperinflation of 300 percent.

Regarding Iran's demand for war reparations, Trump reiterated his stance that if Tehran insists on such compensation, the U.S. will demand payment for the damages Iran has inflicted on the U.S. and others over the past five decades, including reparations for the families of anti-government protesters killed in Iran.