WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States now controls the Strait of Hormuz amid continued tensions with Iran.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said the US Navy had cleared the entire waterway of naval mines.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial international shipping route. It also carries a significant share of global energy supplies, making disruptions there a major concern for international markets.
Trump was asked about Washington’s next steps following recent talks with Iran. However, he declined to provide specific details about future US actions.
Trump Signals Further Pressure on Iran
The US president indicated that Washington could increase pressure on Tehran. However, he did not specify whether the United States would pursue additional military or diplomatic measures.
Meanwhile, Trump has demanded compensation from Iran for Americans killed or injured in conflicts involving Tehran.
He previously said Iran should compensate families of those killed aboard the USS Cole in a 2000 attack.
Trump also said Washington was seeking compensation for other Americans killed or wounded in conflicts. He argued that Iran should accept responsibility for those losses.
According to Trump, Tehran had not previously sought compensation during earlier negotiations. He said Iran had now unexpectedly raised such demands.
Trump described his compensation demand as a response to Iran’s position.
The latest comments come as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Trump has repeatedly signalled that the United States could take further action if necessary.
However, he has not disclosed what additional steps Washington might take.
