Trump Says U.S. Has “Total Control” of Strait of Hormuz and Might “Keep It”

By Zongoplus News Desk | August 12, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States now has “total control” over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while suggesting that Washington could maintain control of the waterway indefinitely.

Trump made the remarks on Wednesday in a post on his Truth Social platform, amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran and a sharp decline in commercial shipping through the strait.

Trump Says U.S. May Keep Control

Trump wrote that the United States has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz and added: “I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!”

He described the U.S. naval blockade in the region as a “wall of steel” and claimed that Iran has no ability to challenge it.

The statement represents a significant escalation in Trump's rhetoric over the strategic waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy corridors.

Large volumes of crude oil and other energy products normally pass through the narrow waterway every day, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for global energy markets.

Recent reporting indicates that commercial traffic has fallen dramatically. Only eight vessels reportedly crossed the strait on Tuesday, compared with an estimated 130 to 140 vessels a day before the war.

The reduction in shipping has raised concerns about energy supplies, transportation costs and the potential impact on inflation.

U.S. Naval Blockade Intensifies Pressure on Iran

Trump's comments come as Washington continues to use naval power and economic pressure against Iran.

The president characterized the U.S. naval presence as a blockade capable of preventing Iran from effectively controlling maritime traffic.

Trump also used his statement to criticize Iran's military capabilities, arguing that the country's armed forces have been severely weakened.

However, Trump's assertion of “total control” should be understood as a claim by the U.S. president, rather than an independently established legal transfer of sovereignty over the waterway.

Iran Remains Defiant

Despite Trump's declaration, Iran continues to reject Washington's position and has maintained its own claims regarding the strategic waterway.

The dispute comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the two countries.

The continuing confrontation has also created uncertainty for shipping companies, many of which have been reluctant to send vessels through the region because of security risks and higher insurance costs.

Global Oil Markets on Alert

The uncertainty surrounding Hormuz has placed global energy markets under intense pressure.

Any prolonged disruption could affect oil supplies and potentially push up fuel and transportation costs in countries that rely heavily on imports.

The Strait of Hormuz is particularly important to Asian economies because many major oil-consuming countries obtain significant quantities of crude from the Gulf region.

As a result, developments around the waterway are being closely monitored by governments, energy companies and financial markets worldwide.

Shipping Traffic Remains Extremely Low

Despite Trump's claim of control, the actual level of maritime traffic remains a key indicator of the situation.

Reports show that the number of vessels passing through the strait is still far below pre-conflict levels.

This means that establishing safe and predictable commercial passage remains a major challenge even as Washington asserts military dominance in the area.

Diplomatic Efforts Face New Pressure

Trump's latest comments could further complicate negotiations with Tehran.

The president has previously demanded significant concessions from Iran while insisting that Washington's military and economic pressure will continue until his objectives are achieved.

Iran, meanwhile, faces growing economic pressure but continues to resist what it views as American attempts to dictate the country's future.

The Strait of Hormuz has therefore become both a military flashpoint and a major bargaining tool in the broader confrontation.

What Could Happen Next?

Trump's suggestion that the United States might “keep” control of the Strait of Hormuz raises questions about Washington's long-term intentions.

Maintaining a significant naval presence could help protect commercial shipping, but a permanent U.S. military role in the waterway would likely trigger further diplomatic and geopolitical controversy.

For global markets, the biggest question is whether commercial shipping will eventually return to normal levels.

Conclusion

President Donald Trump's declaration that the United States has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz marks another dramatic development in the ongoing confrontation with Iran.

His suggestion that America might “keep” the strategic waterway could have consequences far beyond the Middle East, particularly for global energy markets and international shipping.

With commercial traffic still dramatically reduced and diplomatic efforts facing obstacles, the Strait of Hormuz is likely to remain one of the world's most closely watched geopolitical flashpoints in the days ahead.

This article reflects developments reported on August 12, 2026. The situation remains fast-moving, and claims regarding military control and future U.S. policy may change as events develop.