Trump says U.S. controls Strait of Hormuz despite Iran blockade

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that American forces maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, asserting that the waterway is now open. Trump made these remarks during a press conference at the White House, stating that the U.S. Navy controls the passage and has cleared naval mines that Iran has intermittently placed in the region.

“

The U.S. Navy currently controls the passage and assures that our country's Armed Forces have removed the naval mines that Iran occasionally places in the area.

This assertion comes as Iran negotiates with Oman regarding the potential reopening of maritime traffic through the strait. Tehran has outlined a list of conditions for Washington to meet, including the lifting of naval blockades and sanctions against Iran, and the release of blocked Iranian assets. Iran also seeks compensation for damages it claims resulted from a war initiated by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Trump, however, rejected Iran's conditions. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he countered by demanding that Iran compensate the United States for alleged past "abuses" and provide reparations to the families of protesters repressed by the Iranian state. This exchange highlights the starkly different positions of Washington and Tehran concerning the strait's future.

“

Iran must compensate the United States for the abuses it has committed in the past.

While Iran seeks to dictate terms for resuming maritime transit, the U.S. insists on its control. Trump's administration has also focused on the mine-laying activities, with the president assuring that U.S. Armed Forces have completely cleared the passage. The ongoing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz underscores its vital importance in global energy markets and the complex geopolitical tensions between the two nations.

“

Iran presents conditions for reopening the strait. Among its requests is the lifting of the naval blockade imposed against Iran. It also demands an end to the sanctions affecting the country and the release of Iranian assets that remain blocked.