US president Donald Trump has claimed the United States has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz and suggested Washington intends to maintain its hold over the strategic waterway, as tensions with Iran remain high and diplomatic efforts to reopen the vital shipping route continue.In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump said the US naval blockade of Iranian ports had created what he described as a “WALL OF STEEL”, arguing that Iran was in no position to challenge American forces. “The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!” Trump wrote.He also dismissed Iran’s military capabilities and painted a bleak picture of the country’s economy. “They have No Money – Their country is ‘shot.’ All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300% INFLATION, and getting worse!” Trump wrote, adding: “Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer. Praise be to Allah! President DONALD J. TRUMP”Trump’s comments came amid a prolonged confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The waterway carries a significant share of global oil supplies and has faced severe disruption since the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US escalated.The US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports while maintaining a major military presence in the Gulf. Iran, meanwhile, has linked the reopening of the strait to a series of demands, including an end to the blockade and sanctions, as well as compensation for damage caused during the conflict.Tehran has also accused Washington of using military and economic pressure to force concessions. Despite the confrontation, indirect diplomatic contacts between the US and Iran have continued as efforts focus on preventing a wider regional conflict and restoring maritime traffic.The standoff has already raised concerns for global shipping and energy markets. With the Strait of Hormuz largely closed to normal traffic, attention has also turned to alternative routes, including the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.The wider regional tensions escalated further this week after Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked a ship off Yemen, killing six people, including three Pakistani nationals. The attack has renewed fears that violence could spread to other strategic shipping routes.
