Trump: US can take Strait of Hormuz with more time

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Friday said the US can open the Strait of Hormuz with a little more time.

"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. 

The remark marks a noticeable shift in tone from Trump’s prime-time address earlier this week, in which he urged Gulf nations to “build up some delayed courage” and take primary responsibility for securing the waterway themselves. On Friday, the US President appeared to reaffirm America’s willingness to finish the job, provided the military campaign is given the necessary window to succeed.

Strategic Importance Amid Escalating Attacks

The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil and a significant share of liquefied natural gas passes, has become a focal point of the conflict since Iran began its aerial campaign against Gulf targets on February 28. Recent days have seen direct strikes and near-misses on energy infrastructure, including debris from an intercepted threat that struck Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gas facilities on Friday, forcing a temporary suspension of operations, and an Iranian attack on a Kuwaiti power and water desalination plant.

These incidents have heightened fears of supply disruptions and sharp spikes in global energy prices. Gulf leaders, including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have held urgent phone calls with Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days to discuss exactly these risks to maritime security and the global economy.

Trump’s latest comments are being interpreted in Gulf capitals as a reassurance that Washington remains committed to keeping the Strait open — at least in the short term — while still pressing regional partners to strengthen their own defensive posture. Energy traders reacted swiftly to the statement, with benchmark oil prices easing slightly on hopes that US action could prevent a prolonged closure.

US and Israeli forces have already inflicted heavy damage on Iran’s navy and air defences, a point Trump repeatedly highlighted in his earlier address when he declared that core objectives were “nearing completion.” Friday’s statement suggests the administration believes a final push over the coming days or weeks could eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.

Pentagon officials have not issued a separate clarification, but sources familiar with the situation indicate that American naval assets in the region remain on high alert to escort tankers and respond to any Iranian attempts to mine or blockade the Strait.

Gulf officials welcomed the President’s remarks while continuing to accelerate their own contingency planning. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have both bolstered air and naval patrols around key energy installations following this week’s incidents.