Trump asserts U.S. control of Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian countermeasures

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States remains in control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and will continue to do so. He posted on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. naval presence in the strait is being described as a "wall of steel" and that Iran cannot affect it.

Iran, however, asserts that it effectively controls large portions of the waterway and intends to introduce a toll system in response to the conflict that began on 28 February. The dispute follows months of intensive fighting, during which U.S. and Israeli forces have targeted Iranian military sites, and Iran has responded with missile attacks on regional bases and shipping in the strait.

Speaking to reporters, Trump reiterated that the United States has control over the Hormuz Strait and denied any Iranian authority there. He later told Axios that the U.S. is monitoring Iran’s economic situation and that any negotiations are limited.

The situation has resulted in a stalemate, with both sides maintaining their respective positions on the waterway.