Trump and Iran Issue Competing Claims of Control Over Strait of Hormuz
Both the United States and Iran have repeatedly claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz.
MIDDLE EAST — On 10 August President Donald Trump announced that the United States Navy holds sole control of the Strait of Hormuz, describing the existing blockade as “infallible” and “a steel wall,” and reported that U.S. forces had mine-swept the entire waterway.
In Oval Office remarks, Trump noted vessels are allowed or denied according to U.S. decision, that traffic is open for non-Iranian destinations, and that Iran is “broke” with inflation exceeding 300 percent. He added that occasional Iranian mine drops are found and removed.
Trump addressed Iranian representatives’ request for compensation for damage from the five-month conflict on the same day, and instructed U.S. negotiators to demand compensation from Iran for individuals killed or wounded in past conflicts, including the USS Cole, and for Iranian protestors he numbered at 52,000 in the recent period plus hundreds of thousands over 50 years.
A follow-up statement extended the demand to damages and deaths in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza.
CENTCOM has issued no public release confirming a full-strait mine sweep as of 10 August. Iranian officials continued to link any reopening of the strait to U.S. acceptance of conditions that include compensation, lifting of the blockade, and related measures.
Iran Says It Controls The Strait And It Won’t Re-open Until US Ceases “Illegal Actions”, Compensates For Damages
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