Trump Says US Has Total Control Over Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States has complete control over the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran is not in a position to control the waterway. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, the president said developments involving Iran were “going fine” and renewed his assertion that Washington, rather than Tehran, directs activity in the strait.

Trump said the situation around Iran was progressing favourably, adding that he believed the US held control over the key shipping route. He pointed to the US Navy and said American forces were operating effectively.

He argued that Iran did not have the ability to influence the strait and said the US was the only country with control. Trump continued by saying the United States “owns” the control of the passage, describing the current position as advantageous for the country.

Talks Continue, but Trust Is Absent

While Trump portrayed diplomacy with Iran as moving in a positive direction, he also said he did not trust Tehran’s representatives. He told reporters he was sceptical of Iran and said he had been misled repeatedly.

In his account, the president contrasted his view that negotiations were progressing with his belief that Iran could not be relied upon. He said he remained unconvinced by Tehran’s statements and maintained that the US held the stronger position in the region.

Military Action Still Possible

Trump also suggested that renewed military action could be considered if Iran were to take steps that the United States viewed as unacceptable. He said that, at some point, Iran might act and then face consequences.

Describing the current period as stable from Washington’s perspective, he said the balance of power was in the US favour at the time of his remarks. He framed his comments around the idea that the US maintained control over Hormuz and that Iran did not.

The president’s comments came as he continued to characterise US efforts related to Iran as advancing, while simultaneously signalling that force remained an option should circumstances change.

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12 August 2026