WASHINGTON : President Donald Trump declared on Friday that the United States has “complete control” over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously warning American motorists to expect higher gasoline and petrol prices for the foreseeable future.
Speaking with reporters at the White House, Trump said he is prepared to open the vital waterway and remains open to a deal with Tehran.
“Iran is being given a chance for a better deal,” Trump said. “If a deal is made, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”
The president claimed that Iran is not conducting business due to its own blockade of the strait, a key transit point for roughly 20% of the world’s oil. He also expressed uncertainty about Iran’s leadership, saying, “We do not know who the leader is in Iran. We are talking, but they are suffering from internal chaos.”
Trump further asserted that the U.S. has achieved “75 percent of the targets in Iran,” without providing specific details or evidence.
While acknowledging that Iran may have partially restored its military capability during a two-week ceasefire, Trump said any such gains would be short-lived. “The U.S. military has the ability to destroy it in a day,” he said. However, he announced that he would not use nuclear weapons in the case of Iran.
The president emphasized he will not rush into a long-term peace agreement with Tehran. “I want an agreement that is long-lasting,” he said.
