Trump says Iran is 'in deep trouble' as US maintains blockade of Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump declared that Iran is "in deep trouble" and possesses "very little capability left," while asserting U.S. control and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that "Iran right now is not paying its soldiers" and emphasized that "No ship is going through" the vital waterway.

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Iran right now is not paying its soldiers. They are in deep trouble. They have very little capability left.

Trump also addressed the situation with Russia, affirming that President Vladimir Putin has committed not to attack NATO territory. "I had good conversations with him. He is not going to attack NATO territory," Trump said, declining to comment on whether he had warned Putin directly.

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Last night we moved 24 ships through the strait. We move them all the time. I’m saying this openly.

When questioned about potential sanctions on Chinese banks trading with Iran, Trump cryptically responded, "Who said I’m not? You’re asking ‘why not,’ who said? You don’t know if I’m doing it. I don’t have to announce everything, right?" He also indicated a lack of interest in renewed talks with Iran, stating, "We don’t want to talk to them."

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As you know, the Strait of Hormuz is open. We have control and we have a blockade. Iran is getting nothing. Nothing is going through. No ship is going through.

Trump further claimed that the U.S. has cleared the Strait of Hormuz of mines and is closely monitoring the area through its Space Force. "We see every inch of the strait. Every ship that enters with a mine, we see it and destroy it. We have already destroyed two of them," he said.

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I had good conversations with him. He is not going to attack NATO territory.