• President Donald Trump asserts the U.S. has 'total control' of the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to maintain that control via a 'wall of steel' naval blockade.
  • Trump claims Iran's military is severely weakened, with the IRGC 'decimated,' and that Iran faces deep economic woes, positioning the U.S. as the dominant power in the region.
  • The standoff over the crucial oil chokepoint is intensifying, with implications for global shipping and energy markets.

'Total Control' Over a Strategic Waterway

President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that the United States has 'total control' of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil shipments, and suggested Washington would retain that control indefinitely. Describing the U.S. naval presence as a 'wall of steel,' Trump asserted that the strategic waterway is effectively under American command.

'We have total control right now, and we're in a very good position,' Trump said during a press briefing. 'Iran doesn't have control. We do.'

His remarks come after a volatile period in July when the U.S. threatened to reinstate a naval blockade and impose a 20% fee on cargo transiting the strait, following Iran's claim that it had closed the waterway. That escalation was widely seen as a maneuver to exert operational leverage over one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.

The latest assertions reinforce the U.S. position that it will dictate the terms under which ships traverse the strait, a stance aimed at curbing Iran's influence and securing favorable conditions for maritime traffic.

A Weakened Iran? Trump's Claims

Trump also painted a bleak picture of Iran's military capabilities, alleging that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been 'decimated' and that the country's armed forces are severely weakened. He further claimed that Iran is grappling with deep economic problems, making it 'no longer the bully of the Middle East.'

'Iran is not the military power they once were,' Trump said. 'Their economy is in shambles, and the IRGC is decimated. They're no longer the bully.'

While these assertions have not been independently verified, they signal the administration's confidence in its hardline stance toward Tehran. The claims also serve to justify the ongoing U.S. military presence in the region.

Implications for Shipping and Global Markets

The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz has significant implications for global energy markets. Approximately 20% of the world's oil passes through the strait, making it a critical chokepoint for supplies. The U.S. assertion of control, coupled with threats of fees and blockades, has injected uncertainty into shipping routes and could impact oil prices.

Shipping insurers and freight operators are closely monitoring the situation, with some rerouting vessels or adjusting risk assessments. The potential for disruption remains high, as any military confrontation could lead to temporary closures of the strait, affecting global supply chains.

The dispute is as much about negotiating leverage as it is about maritime security. Both the U.S. and Iran are using the strait as a bargaining chip in broader geopolitical negotiations, with each side seeking to impose its terms on the other.

Earlier this month, on Aug. 12, Trump again asserted U.S. control over the strait, saying that Iran does not have control and that the U.S. is in a 'very good position.' That followed a July cycle of heightened threats and attacks tied to the waterway.

As the standoff persists, the international community watches closely. The U.S. has not faced significant international backlash, though some allies have expressed concern over the potential for escalation. Attempts to reach Iranian officials for comment were unsuccessful.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date of Trump's most recent remarks. The accurate date is Aug. 12, 2026. This article has been updated to reflect that.