In a significant and controversial statement amid escalating tensions in West Asia, US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States currently has “total control” over a critical maritime passage, widely understood to be the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking on the ongoing conflict, Trump suggested that while the US could deliver a decisive blow to adversaries, his administration is instead prioritizing a long-term strategic outcome.
“I gave them a break. I want to make the best deal… It would take them 20 years to rebuild, but I don’t want to do that. I want to have it everlasting,” Trump said.
The US President indicated that a deal could be reached immediately but stressed that the goal is not short-term victory. Instead, he emphasized a sustainable resolution to the crisis.
Trump also revealed that opposing parties had offered to reopen the Strait days earlier, a move that would restore a vital economic lifeline.
“They came to us… ‘We will agree to open the Strait.’ All my people were happy except me,” he stated.
Highlighting the economic stakes, Trump claimed that reopening the Strait would allow adversaries to earn up to $500 million per day—something he is unwilling to permit without a broader agreement.
“If we open the Strait… they are going to make $500 million a day. I don’t want them to make that until they settle this thing.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most crucial oil transit chokepoints, making control over it a powerful geopolitical and economic lever.
While Trump refrained from sharing specific operational details or timelines, he assured that developments would unfold rapidly.
“What I am doing, I can’t tell you… but it will go pretty quickly.”
He concluded by reiterating that the Strait would only reopen once a favorable deal is secured or a “very positive” alternative outcome emerges.
