Trump says US will 'keep' Hormuz strait control

President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that the United States maintains control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and intends to retain it, according to a post on his Truth Social platform. He stated, "We have total control over the Hormuz Strait right now. They don t have control. We have total control. We own it." The administration has consistently asserted control over the vital waterway, which is essential for energy and commodity shipping through the Middle East.

Iran, however, contends that it effectively manages much of the strait and plans to introduce a toll system in response to the ongoing US war that began on February 28. Trump emphasized during a press conference that the United States has "total control" over the strait, dismissing Iran's claim of control. The conflict between the US and Iran has involved extensive airstrikes on Iranian military targets and the loss of key Iranian officials, all in pursuit of objectives such as pressuring Tehran to abandon its nuclear program and potentially effecting regime change.