Trump says US will ‘keep’ Hormuz strait control

President Donald Trump affirmed on Wednesday that the United States maintains control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and intends to retain possession of it. He emphasized that the U.S. has total command over the vital strait, which is crucial for the transportation of energy and other goods through the Middle East. Trump highlighted that the U.S. Navy's blockade, described as a "wall of steel," poses no threat to Iran.

He also noted Iran's efforts to impose a toll system on the waterway in response to the recent U.S. military actions, which began on February 28.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump confidently stated, "We have total control over the Hormuz Strait right now. They don't have control. We have total control. We own it." The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has escalated significantly, with US and Israeli forces conducting extensive airstrikes targeting Iran's military and leadership.

The ongoing war has resulted in devastating consequences for Iran, including the targeting of US bases in the region and other targets in US-allied Gulf countries. Iran's primary response has been to disrupt shipping in the Hormuz Strait, causing global trade disruptions and economic instability. Recognizing Trump's declining popularity ahead of the November midterm elections, he opted to de-escalate the war, resulting in a stalemate.

Trump expressed that the U.S. is prepared to concentrate on blocking Iranian ports in a strategy he referred to as "low-keying," rather than escalating the conflict further.