Trump says US will ‘keep’ Hormuz strait control

President Donald Trump asserted on Wednesday that the United States maintains control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the country's intent to retain possession of the vital waterway. In his statement to Axios, Trump described the US strategy as "low-keying" and asserted total dominance over the Strait. He wrote on his Truth Social platform, "Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, A WALL OF STEEL, and there is nothing Iran can do about it."

Trump has previously claimed that the US controls the strait, which is crucial for the flow of energy and other commodity shipments through the Middle East. However, Iran claims to effectively control the waterway and has threatened to impose a toll system as a response to the US military actions initiated by Trump on February 28.

During a press conference earlier that day, Trump stated with conviction, "We have total control over the Hormuz Strait right now. They don't have control. We have total control. We own it." The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran has seen extensive military confrontations, with both sides suffering significant losses. Iran's most effective retaliation has been targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the trade route and causing global economic concerns.

As Trump's support wanes domestically, especially as the elections approach, he has toned down threats to escalate the war, opting instead to monitor Iran's economic struggles and mounting inflation.