"We own it": Trump reiterates "total control" over Strait of Hormuz
Maryland, August 12
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his claims of full control over the Strait of Hormuz while also warning Tehran against any actions that could see a strong response.
He made the remarks while speaking to the media and accused Tehran of 'lying' to him.
Trump said, "I don't trust Iran. I'm the last person who trusts Iran. They've lied to me constantly. We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz right now. They don't have control. We have total control. We own it."
The US President further warned Iran against taking any action, saying that it could face a forceful response.
"And at some point, maybe they'll do something and then they get blown away."
He added that the United States is in a "good position" and said, "Right now, we're in a very good position. We have a country that has been a bully of the Middle East for fifty years... They are no longer the bully of the Middle East."
Trump's remarks come amid heightened tensions over the global energy chokepoint.
Meanwhile, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei, underlined that the Strait of Hormuz had remained open from the time of Prophet Adam's creation until February 28, 2026, while slamming the "dishonourable and unjust" sanctions from Western parties.
As per Press TV, Baqaei further doubled down on the 'US-Israeli aggression' for the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and said, "Let us not forget that the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and what happened to it was caused by the military aggression of the United States and the Israeli regime, which is still ongoing. As for claims that Iran has imposed conditions, they should take that matter up with their own government."
Tensions continue to simmer over the global energy chokepoint.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with discussions underway between Tehran and Oman over the arrangements for transit through the strategic waterway.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I just hope this doesn't lead to another Gulf War. Our diaspora and energy security depend heavily on that region. Trump's tough talk might sound strong at a rally, but for countries like India that need stability, it's just heat and noise. No one "owns" the sea lanes.
Last time I checked, international waters aren't owned by any single country. This is classic US bravado. But for India, the Strait of Hormuz is a lifeline. If there's any disruption, our fuel prices will skyrocket, and the common man suffers. I just hope diplomacy prevails over this chest-beating.
I'm not taking sides here, but claiming "total control" over another nation's strategic strait seems overconfident. Trump says Iran has lied to him, but has anyone accounted for the lives lost in the Middle East due to US policies? It's a very complicated situation, and such blunt remarks might spark even more instability.
From an Indian standpoint, we always advocate for a rules-based order. No nation, not even the US, should unilaterally "own" a strait. This could be a trigger for more oil price volatility, and as an Indian consumer, I'm worried about the impact on our economy. Instead of threats, let's see some dialogue and de-escalation.
Trump says Iran is a bully, but openly threatening to "blow away" another nation sounds like bullying to me. What about international law? What about the freedom of navigation that India and others depend
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.