President Donald Trump asserted Wednesday that the United States holds "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, describing the U.S. Navy's blockade as a "WALL OF STEEL." His remarks came as Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that oil exports from the critical maritime chokepoint have increased.
Trump made the claim on social media platform Truth Social, stating, "The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!" He added that the naval blockade is being recognized by all as effective and that "there is nothing Iran can do about it."
The U.S. renewed its blockade on Iranian ports last month, with the administration opting for economic pressure against Tehran. According to Wright, the seven-day average of oil leaving the Strait of Hormuz has reached nearly nine million barrels per day. When combined with an additional 5-7 million barrels daily flowing through newly upgraded pipelines and export facilities, total oil flows are averaging approximately 15 million barrels per day. On Sunday alone, over 20 million barrels departed the Arabian Gulf region, exceeding the pre-conflict average.
Trump also commented on Iran's internal situation, claiming the country "has no Navy, they have no Air Force, their remaining soldiers are unpaid, the IRGC is decimated and fleeing, and their ‘Leadership’ is uncertain, at best!" He further stated, "They have No Money – Their country is ‘shot.’ All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300% INFLATION, and getting worse!"
He concluded his remarks by saying, "Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer. Praise be to Allah!"
Elements of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, including the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) and French Navy frigate FS Languedoc (D 653), were observed transiting the Strait of Hormuz in 2023. Earlier, U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a verification boarding aboard the M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman as part of a U.S. naval blockade against Iran.
