US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that Washington had “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, sharply intensifying his rhetoric against Iran as tensions continued over the Middle East conflict, maritime security in the Gulf and stalled efforts to reopen the strategic waterway.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US had “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz and suggested Washington intended to maintain it. He described the US naval blockade as a “WALL OF STEEL” and claimed Iran was powerless to challenge it.
Trump also asserted that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened and concluded his post by writing, “Praise be to Allah!”
“All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300% INFLATION, and getting worse! Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer. Praise be to Allah! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he added.
The comments came amid a prolonged standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage through which around one-fifth of global oil trade moves.
Any disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman could have significant consequences for global energy markets, shipping insurance costs and wider economic stability.
The latest escalation follows weeks of military confrontation involving Iran, Israel and US forces in the region. The conflict has raised concerns about the possibility of a broader regional war, while Tehran has repeatedly warned that it could restrict or disrupt maritime traffic if pressure on Iran increases.
The US, meanwhile, has maintained a substantial naval presence in the Gulf and continued to emphasise freedom of navigation as a key security priority.
Trump’s remarks also came as diplomatic efforts continued behind the scenes. Washington and Tehran have reportedly been engaged in indirect negotiations over conditions for easing the Hormuz standoff and restoring normal shipping operations.
Iran has reportedly sought compensation for wartime damage and economic losses resulting from sanctions, a demand that Trump has publicly rejected.
Pakistan said on Monday that the US and Iran appeared to be moving closer to an understanding aimed at easing tensions around the strait, although no formal agreement has been announced.
Officials familiar with the negotiations have warned that significant disagreements remain over sanctions, security guarantees and the sequence of potential de-escalation measures.
At the same time, the Trump administration has increased economic pressure on Tehran, maintaining sanctions and warning that further punitive measures could be imposed if Iran does not cooperate.
Iranian officials have accused Washington of relying on military pressure and economic coercion to force concessions during negotiations.
Analysts believe Trump’s latest statement could be intended to strengthen deterrence while reassuring allies concerned about energy supplies and maritime security.
However, they have also warned that such uncompromising rhetoric could make diplomacy more difficult by hardening Tehran’s position and increasing political pressure on Iranian leaders.
The Strait of Hormuz has long been regarded as one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical chokepoints. Previous confrontations in the area have resulted in oil price spikes and heightened fears of military escalation.
The current crisis has already led to increased naval patrols, consideration of alternative shipping routes and renewed international appeals for restraint.
For now, commercial vessels continue to pass through the strait under heightened security monitoring, although the situation remains fragile. The immediate question is whether ongoing negotiations can produce a limited understanding that lowers the risk of military confrontation while keeping the waterway open to shipping.
Trump’s latest intervention has highlighted that, despite diplomatic contacts, the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz remains closely connected to the broader conflict involving Iran and the wider struggle for influence in the Middle East.
