Trump Says US Could Reopen Strait of Hormuz With More Time

President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if given additional time, as pressure grows on his administration to resolve a conflict with Iran that has disrupted global energy markets.

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In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States had the capability to regain control of the strategic waterway.

“With a little more time, we can easily open the Hormuz Strait, take the oil, and make a fortune,” he wrote.

Strategic waterway closed amid escalating conflict

The remarks come nearly five weeks after hostilities began with a joint aerial assault by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran. The conflict has since expanded, creating instability across the region and contributing to volatility in global financial markets.

Iran has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz in response to the strikes that began in late February. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes for oil.

Roughly one-fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through the strait, making any disruption a major concern for governments and energy markets worldwide. Since the closure, oil prices have risen sharply as traders react to the reduced flow of crude shipments.

Pressure mounts to restore oil flows

Reopening the strait has become a top priority for countries dependent on stable energy supplies. Analysts say prolonged disruption could push fuel prices higher and strain global economic growth.

Governments in Europe, Asia and the Middle East have called for a swift resolution to ensure the resumption of commercial shipping through the waterway.

The ongoing conflict has also unsettled financial markets. Shares have declined in several major markets amid uncertainty about how long the fighting may continue and whether the conflict could broaden further.

Iran warns of retaliation

Earlier this week, Trump reiterated threats against Iran’s civilian power infrastructure during a speech on Wednesday evening. He did not provide a specific timeline for ending the hostilities.

Iranian officials responded by warning of further retaliation if attacks continue.

The exchange of threats has added to concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to the global energy supply.

With the conflict now entering its fifth week, pressure is growing on the U.S. administration to find a path toward stabilizing the region and restoring the flow of oil through the vital shipping route.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 April 2026