Donald Trump Claims Total Control Over Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump asserted that the United States maintains total control over the Strait of Hormuz. The claim follows a sharp decline in oil movement through the waterway since the start of a war with Iran in March 2026, contributing to record-high gas prices for the season.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported that oil flow through the strait has dropped to nearly 9 million barrels per day, down from pre-war levels of over 20 million barrels. While alternative routes have increased the total global flow to 15 million barrels per day, the Energy Information Administration expects severe constraints to persist through August, with production unlikely to recover until early next year.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that the strategic importance of the waterway could diminish over time. He proposed that expanding pipelines and export routes could render the strait irrelevant within two years.