Trump asserts US control over Strait of Hormuz, threatens Iranian forces
via Business News1 min read
Donald Trump has significantly escalated rhetoric against Iran, claiming the United States now has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for nearly 20% of global oil. The US President ordered the navy to "open fire" on any Iranian vessel involved in mining operations in the area, emphasizing there should be "no hesitation." This directive was issued in messages published on Truth Social on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Simultaneously, Washington is continuing demining operations in the strait, a process expected to last several months. This escalation occurs as Tehran has closed this key maritime corridor, leading to a collapse in traffic. Trump also stated he is under no pressure to end the conflict, believing he has "all the time necessary," unlike Iran, for which "the countdown has begun." The US President described a significantly degraded Iranian military situation, citing neutralized naval and air capabilities and destroyed defense systems. He also asserted that the blockade imposed by the United States is "hermetic." Any prospect of an agreement, according to him, remains conditioned on the strategic interests of Washington and its allies, in a context where the confrontation around Hormuz poses major risks to global energy supply and regional stability.
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