Trump claims ‘total control’ of Strait of Hormuz, cites divisions in Iran leadership

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Iran was facing internal divisions and claimed Washington had full control over the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on his Truth Social, Trump there is infighting within Iran’s leadership between “hardliners” and “moderates,” while also asserting US dominance over the strategic waterway.

“Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know! The infighting is between the ‘Hardliners,’ who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the ‘Moderates,’ who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY! We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is ‘Sealed up Tight,’ until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.

Trump did not provide evidence to support his claims about control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil-shipping route, and there was no immediate response from Iranian authorities.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.

In another social media post, Trump said: “I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be (Their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea!), that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation. Additionally, our mine “sweepers” are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP”