US President Donald Trump has declared that America has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz and suggested the United States could keep its grip on the critical shipping route as he unleashed a blistering attack on Iran.
In a fiery Truth Social post, Mr Trump claimed the US naval blockade had become a “WALL OF STEEL” that Tehran was powerless to overcome, while painting a dire picture of Iran’s military, economy and leadership.
“The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!” Mr Trump wrote.
“Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, ‘A WALL OF STEEL,’ and there is nothing Iran can do about it.”
The President went on to claim Iran had been left without an effective navy or air force and that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been decimated.
“They have no Navy, they have no Air Force, their remaining soldiers are unpaid, the IRGC is decimated and fleeing, and their ‘Leadership’ is uncertain, at best!” he wrote.
Mr Trump also took aim at Iran’s economy, claiming the country had “No Money” and was battling soaring inflation.
“Their country is ‘shot.’ All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300% INFLATION, and getting worse!”
The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the strategically important waterway serving as a crucial route for global energy supplies.
Mr Trump’s latest remarks signal little appetite to ease pressure on Tehran, with the President instead declaring Iran’s position as a regional power had been dramatically weakened.
“Iran is all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer,” he wrote.
He ended the extraordinary post with, “Praise be to Allah! President DONALD J. TRUMP”.
The comments come amid intense international attention on the future of shipping through the Strait and the prospect of negotiations aimed at easing tensions in the region.
Mr Trump’s suggestion the US could “keep” control of the waterway is likely to fuel further scrutiny over Washington’s intentions, as governments and global markets watch closely for any change in access to one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
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