Trump and Iran Clash Over Strait of Hormuz Control

President Donald Trump and Iranian officials exchanged sharp rhetoric on August 13, 2026, regarding the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump claimed on Truth Social that the United States maintains total control over the strategic waterway through a naval blockade he described as a "wall of steel," asserting that Iran's military infrastructure is severely degraded.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi responded by accusing the U.S. of relying on "fake intelligence" and warning that Washington is making a significant miscalculation. Simultaneously, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority rejected U.S. claims that the waterway is open, stating that the strait remains blocked and will not reopen until Iran's conditions are accepted.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, specified that these conditions include the release of Iran's frozen assets and an end to conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza. The current tension follows a February 28 decision by Iran to restrict passage for vessels affiliated with the U.S. and Israel after joint strikes on Iranian territory. While the dispute continues, Iran is negotiating with Oman to designate a new route through the strait.