‘Sealed up tight’: Trump says US controls Hormuz until Iran agrees to deal

US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed the United States has taken full control of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that no vessel can pass through theshipping lane without approval from the US Navy.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged deep internal divisions within Iran’s leadership, saying the country is “having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is.” He described ongoing friction between “hardliners,” whom he said were losing on the battlefield, and “moderates,” adding that the infighting was intensifying.

Trump went on to assert that the strait -- a critical artery for global oil flows -- is now “sealed up tight” by US forces until Iran agrees to strike a deal with Washington.


In a separate post, Trump escalated his rhetoric further, saying he had ordered the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any vessels, including small boats, suspected of laying mines in the waterway. He emphasised there should be “no hesitation” in enforcing the directive and said mine-sweeping operations in the strait were being ramped up to “a tripled up level.”

Also Read: Trump orders 'shoot-to-kill' action on Iranian vessels choking Strait of Hormuz

The comments come as tensions surge across the Gulf, with Iranian forces reportedly seizing two ships in the strait, underscoring the vulnerability of a route that typically handles a significant share of global oil shipments.

Uncertainty also persists over a potential ceasefire. Trump had earlier suggested the US could pause military operations while considering an Iranian proposal for talks to end the conflict. However, there has been no confirmation from Tehran on extending any truce, leaving the situation volatile.