US President Donald Trump said Washington could reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz "with a little more time," even as the ongoing conflict with Iran continues to intensify and disrupt global energy markets.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested that the US could take control of the key maritime route and its oil flows, underscoring the growing pressure on his administration to respond decisively to Iran’s actions.
"With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL,& MAKE A FORTUNE," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
His remarks come nearly five weeks into a widening conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, which has triggered retaliatory measures from Tehran.
Iran has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow but critical shipping corridor through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — in response to joint US-Israeli aerial operations launched since February 28.
The disruption has sent oil prices higher and raised alarm among global economies dependent on energy imports.
According to Reuters, Trump has not outlined a clear diplomatic roadmap to de-escalate the crisis or reopen the waterway.
Instead, he has reiterated warnings that the US could target Iran’s energy infrastructure if the strait remains blocked. In a recent address, he also hinted at possible strikes on civilian power facilities, drawing sharp reactions from Tehran.
The conflict has expanded beyond Iran, with US and Israeli forces striking multiple locations, including military installations and missile infrastructure in Iran and Lebanon.
Although Iranian missile launches have reduced in frequency in recent days, attacks on Israeli territory and US-linked assets in the Gulf region have continued.
Washington has signalled that additional military action remains on the table, even as Trump has indicated that the US could eventually disengage from the conflict. However, no firm timeline has been provided, adding to uncertainty in the region.
Tehran, for its part, has said it is prepared for a prolonged confrontation and has framed its actions as a response to external aggression.
Iranian officials have maintained that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic move aimed at countering US and Israeli pressure.
The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint in geopolitical tensions due to its importance in global oil transportation.
Any disruption to shipping through the passage can have immediate and far-reaching consequences for energy markets, trade flows and economic stability worldwide.
As the crisis enters its fifth week, there are few signs of a breakthrough. Diplomatic efforts remain limited, while military posturing on all sides continues to escalate.
With global markets reacting to every development, the situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most closely watched aspects of the broader Middle East conflict.
