WASHINGTON D.C., Nigeria — United States President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that his country has absolute control over the vital Strait of Hormuz and intends to maintain that dominance. He conveyed this assertion via his Truth Social platform, stating, “The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!”

Trump further characterized the U.S. naval blockade as a "WALL OF STEEL," suggesting Iran is powerless to counter it. This is not the first time the President has claimed U.S. control over the waterway, which is crucial for global energy and commodity shipments originating from the Middle East.

However, Iran contests this assertion, claiming effective control over significant portions of the strait. Tehran has indicated plans to implement a toll system in response to military actions initiated by the U.S. in late February.

Earlier, speaking to reporters, Trump reiterated his position: “We have total control over the Hormuz Strait right now. They don’t have control. We have total control. We own it.”

The ongoing conflict, which has lasted nearly six months, has seen U.S. and Israeli forces conduct extensive bombings of Iranian military targets and leadership. The stated objectives of this war included compelling Iran to abandon its nuclear program and facilitating regime change.

Iran has responded with missile attacks targeting U.S. bases in the region, Israel, and countries allied with the United States in the Gulf. A significant Iranian tactic has been striking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting trade routes and impacting the global economy.

With his domestic political standing reportedly declining ahead of the November midterm elections, Trump has reportedly scaled back threats of escalating the war. He has indicated a strategic shift towards blockading Iranian ports, a move he described to Axios as a "low-keying" approach.

In a separate statement to Axios on Sunday, Trump commented on the situation, saying, “We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money.”