President Donald Trump declared Friday that the United States can "easily" reopen the Strait of Hormuz and seize control of oil resources with additional time, as the ongoing conflict with Iran continues to disrupt global energy markets and drive up prices worldwide.
With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A 'GUSHER' FOR THE WORLD???
Donald Trump, US President — Truth Social
The statement comes as Iran has effectively shut down the strategic waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that began in late February. The Strait of Hormuz carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply, making its closure a critical factor in soaring energy prices that have rattled financial markets globally.
Trump's comments follow his earlier warning that US military forces would strike Iran "extremely hard" within two to three weeks. The president has escalated his rhetoric as the conflict enters its fifth week, with no clear resolution in sight despite mounting international pressure.
The war began with a joint US-Israeli aerial assault in late February and has since spread chaos across the Middle East region. Iran's retaliatory attacks have targeted critical infrastructure, including strikes on Kuwait's Mina al-Ahmadi refinery and the UAE's largest gas processing facility.
Reports Trump's statements factually while noting concerns over oil price impacts and inflation. Frames the story around growing international worry about the conflict's economic consequences.