Trump Considering U.S. Takeover of Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Conflict

Speaking to CBS News from his Doral, Florida golf club, Trump asserted that the Iranian military has been so thoroughly degraded that the strategic waterway—responsible for 20% of the world’s oil flow—is now effectively "open" for a potential takeover by American forces.

Trump characterized the ongoing war, which began ten days ago on February 28, as being "very far ahead of schedule." He claimed that the Iranian navy and air force have been virtually annihilated, famously remarking that their fleet is now "all lying at the bottom of the ocean." While commercial shipping through the strait has ground to a virtual halt due to the conflict, Trump suggested that a U.S. takeover would provide permanent security and stabilize global energy markets, which have seen Brent crude prices fluctuate violently between $90 and $120.

The Iranian leadership has remained defiant despite these claims. On March 5, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait would remain strictly closed to ships from the U.S., Israel, and their Western allies. Tehran has issued repeated warnings that any attempt to seize control of the waterway would result in devastating retaliatory strikes against U.S. and Israeli vessels. Meanwhile, global shipping giants like Maersk and MSC have already suspended transits, citing the "unthinkable scenario" of a full maritime blockade.

With the conflict entering its second week, the prospect of a U.S. "takeover" marks a dramatic shift from traditional freedom-of-navigation operations to direct territorial and strategic management of one of the world's most critical chokepoints. While Trump described the war as "very complete, pretty much," the Department of Defense issued a more sober tone on social media, reminding the public that military objectives are still ongoing under Operation Epic Fury.