Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Trump claims 'total control' over Hormuz as Iran talks stall
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow strip of water in the Middle East where huge ships carry oil to countries all over the world.
Almost 20 out of every 100 barrels of oil travel through it.
Right now, the United States and Iran are having a big argument over who controls this waterway.
President Donald Trump said on social media that America has 'total control' of the strait and plans to keep it.
He compared the US navy ships there to a 'Wall of Steel' and said Iran cannot do anything about it.
Trump also said Iran's military is badly weakened and that the country mostly has 'fake news' and very high inflation.
Iran's side says America is using military strength and money pressure to force them to agree to things they don't want.
The two countries have been talking indirectly about how to open up safe shipping again.
Many countries are worried and are asking both sides to be calm so a bigger war doesn't start.
Ships are still moving through the strait, but the situation is tense and everyone is watching closely.
President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that the US has 'total control' over the Strait of Hormuz and that he intends to keep it.
In a Truth Social post, Trump called the US naval blockade 'A WALL OF STEEL,' said Iran's military infrastructure is severely degraded, and ended with 'Praise be to Allah!'
The standoff follows weeks of military exchanges involving Iranian, Israeli, and US forces around the strait, through which nearly 20% of global petroleum trade passes.
Washington, DC and Tehran are engaged in indirect talks on easing the crisis, while Tehran demands compensation for war damages and sanctions-linked losses that Trump has dismissed.
The Trump administration is enforcing existing sanctions and warning of further punitive action, while Iranian representatives accuse Washington of using military posture and economic pressure to extract unilateral concessions.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Iranian representatives in Tehran, and negotiators from Washington, DC
- What
- Trump claimed the US has 'total control' over the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled negotiations over the waterway, with Washington enforcing sanctions and maintaining a naval blockade
- When
- Wednesday, following weeks of military exchanges involving Iranian, Israeli, and US forces
- Where
- The Strait of Hormuz and the broader Middle East region
- Why
- The standoff is over the strategically vital chokepoint that carries nearly 20% of global petroleum trade, with Tehran demanding compensation and Washington insisting on freedom of navigation
Washington's stance
Tehran's stance
Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Washington's stance
Trump says the US has 'total control' over the strait, calls the naval blockade 'A WALL OF STEEL,' and says there is nothing Iran can do about it.
Tehran's stance
Tehran has repeatedly warned that maritime traffic could be restricted or disrupted if external pressure on Iran continues to mount.
Conditions for negotiations
Washington's stance
Trump publicly dismisses Tehran's demand for compensation and warns further punitive actions remain on the table if Iran refuses to comply.
Tehran's stance
Iranian representatives accuse Washington of using military posture and economic pressure to extract unilateral concessions, and demand compensation for war damages and sanctions-linked losses.
Blame for the escalation
Washington's stance
Washington frames its naval presence as guaranteeing freedom of navigation, which it calls a primary security goal.
Tehran's stance
Tehran reportedly describes the conflict as 'the US war launched by Trump on February 28' and holds Washington responsible for war-related damages.
- Key figure
- US President Donald J. Trump
- Disputed waterway
- Strait of Hormuz
- Global oil trade share
- Nearly 20% of world petroleum trade passes through the strait
- US naval deployment
- Significant presence across the Gulf; blockade called 'A WALL OF STEEL'
- Iran's demand
- Compensation for war-related damages and sanctions-linked economic losses
- US economic measures
- Sanctions enforcement with further punitive action threatened
- Talks status
- Indirect discussions between Washington, DC and Tehran; negotiations stalled
- Date cited for war
- February 28 (the 'US war' launched by Trump, per Tehran's account)
