United States President Donald Trump has declared that Washington is already taking active steps to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, as tensions with Iran continue to intensify.
Speaking during an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 on Sunday, Trump was asked directly whether the United States has the capacity to take control of the narrow but strategically vital waterway through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes. In response, the president gave a firm and unequivocal answer.
“Yes, sure, it’s already happening,” Trump said, suggesting that US actions regarding the strait are not merely theoretical but already underway.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, serves as a crucial artery for international energy trade, with roughly a fifth of the world’s petroleum liquids transiting through it daily. Any attempt by a global power to control or restrict access to the strait carries far-reaching implications for global energy markets, international shipping, and geopolitical stability.
Trump’s remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing and increasingly volatile military confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Since February 28, US and Israeli forces have reportedly conducted sustained airstrikes on Iranian targets, marking one of the most significant escalations in hostilities in recent years.
According to figures cited in the report, the strikes have resulted in the deaths of more than 1,340 people. Among those reportedly killed is Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a development that, if independently confirmed, would represent a historic and unprecedented turning point in the Islamic Republic’s political and religious leadership structure.
While independent verification of such high-profile casualties remains limited, the broader scale of the conflict is widely acknowledged, with mounting reports of destruction, civilian casualties, and retaliatory operations across the region.
Iran has responded forcefully to the sustained bombing campaign, launching a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israeli territory as well as multiple countries in the Middle East believed to host US military installations. These include Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf states, all of which have reported varying degrees of damage to infrastructure and casualties among both military personnel and civilians.
The retaliatory attacks have not only heightened fears of a broader regional war but have also disrupted global markets and aviation routes. Airlines have been forced to reroute or cancel flights across affected airspaces, while oil prices have shown volatility amid concerns over supply chain disruptions tied to instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
In his interview, Trump also emphasized what he described as exceptionally close coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv in managing the conflict and responding to Iran’s actions.
“The coordination is very close. We have a good relationship. It couldn’t be better,” he said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The president’s comments highlight the deepening military and strategic alliance between the United States and Israel, particularly in confronting Iran’s regional influence and military capabilities. Analysts note that such alignment has played a key role in shaping the current trajectory of the conflict, with both nations appearing committed to sustained pressure on Tehran.
Despite the intensifying hostilities, Trump suggested that Iran may be seeking a negotiated resolution to the crisis. He expressed confidence that the Iranian leadership is under significant strain and would be motivated to come to the negotiating table.
“I think they want to do it very badly. Anybody would want a deal if you are getting decimated, right?” Trump said, framing the situation as one in which military pressure could force diplomatic concessions.
However, experts remain divided over the likelihood of near-term negotiations. While some argue that sustained military pressure could push Iran toward talks, others warn that escalating violence and high-profile casualties may instead harden positions within Tehran, reducing the chances of compromise.
The potential US move to control the Strait of Hormuz adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. Historically, Iran has repeatedly threatened to block or disrupt traffic through the strait in response to Western sanctions or military actions. Any attempt by the United States to preemptively control the waterway could be interpreted by Tehran as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and regional influence.
Such a development raises the risk of direct naval confrontations between US and Iranian forces in the Gulf, a scenario that could rapidly escalate into a broader conflict involving multiple regional and global actors.
International observers have expressed concern over the potential economic fallout of prolonged instability in the strait. Given its central role in global oil distribution, even limited disruptions could lead to sharp increases in energy prices, with ripple effects across economies worldwide.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis appear limited at this stage, as both sides continue to exchange strikes and harden their rhetoric. Calls from international organizations and several neutral countries for restraint have so far yielded little tangible progress.
As the situation evolves, attention remains focused on the Strait of Hormuz as both a strategic objective and a potential flashpoint. Trump’s assertion that the United States is already moving to control the waterway signals a significant shift in posture, one that could redefine the dynamics of the conflict and its global implications.
With military operations ongoing and no clear path to de-escalation, the coming days are likely to prove critical in determining whether the region moves closer to wider war or finds an opening for diplomacy amid the escalating crisis.
