Donald Trump Claims US Has ‘Total Control’ of Strait of Hormuz, Calls Naval Blockade a ‘Wall of Steel’

U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that American forces have achieved "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, describing the naval presence enforcing a blockade in the vital shipping channel as a "wall of steel" against Iranian interference.

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump asserted that Washington intends to maintain its military dominance in the passage and claimed Tehran's military capabilities have been severely compromised. He added that high inflation in Iran has left its leadership with limited options, dismissing Iranian threats as ineffective. Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Will Not Reopen Until US Continues Naval Blockade.

The statements follow weeks of heightened military engagements in the Gulf involving Iranian, Israeli, and U.S. forces. The military standoff has intensified global concerns over maritime safety in the narrow waterway, through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s petroleum trade flows daily.

In response to threats from Tehran regarding potential shipping disruptions, the U.S. expanded its naval deployments across the Persian Gulf to ensure freedom of navigation. Meanwhile, indirect diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran continue behind the scenes in an effort to stabilize the corridor and allow regular commercial traffic to resume.

Negotiations remain stalled over key preconditions. Tehran has demanded financial compensation for war damage and economic losses linked to U.S. sanctions, a condition Washington has rejected. At the same time, the Trump administration has intensified economic pressure on Iran, cautioning that additional punitive measures remain under consideration if diplomatic terms are not met. Iranian officials have accused Washington of using economic leverage and military posture to force unilateral concessions. Iran Strikes UAE’s Tanker With Missiles in Strait of Hormuz.

While commercial shipping continues through the Strait under heightened security oversight, global shipping lines have adjusted transit routes and instituted heightened precautions. The standoff remains a critical volatile factor for international energy markets and regional security.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 10:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).