Trump signals US plan to seize control of Strait of Hormuz

Writing on his Truth Social platform on Friday, the President described the potential move as a "gusher" for the world, marking a significant escalation in his administration’s rhetoric regarding the future of Iran’s most valuable strategic assets.

The President’s latest comments focus on the world’s most critical maritime chokepoint, through which approximately 20 per cent of global oil supplies transit daily. Navigational stability in the waterway has been severely compromised since the launch of a joint US - Israeli offensive against Iran on 28 February.

While Washington has previously sent mixed signals regarding its long-term intentions for the strait, Mr Trump’s latest intervention indicates a shift toward a policy of direct intervention and resource extraction as a primary military and economic objective.

Operation Epic Fury

The region has been in a state of high alert since the initiation of "Operation Epic Fury," a campaign that has so far resulted in over 1,340 deaths, including the targeted killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran has launched waves of drone and missile strikes against Israel, as well as neighbouring nations such as Jordan and Iraq that host American military assets.

These counter-strikes have caused significant infrastructure damage and have continued to disrupt global energy markets, providing the backdrop for Mr Trump’s proposal to "easily open" the waterway under American supervision.

President Trump’s suggestion that the US should "take the oil" represents a radical departure from traditional international maritime norms, framing the military intervention as a lucrative opportunity for the United States. Despite the potential for further regional instability, the President remains adamant that such a move would act as an economic catalyst for the global stage.

As the conflict enters its second month, the focus of the White House appears to be narrowing toward the total seizure of Iranian energy corridors to ensure that Tehran can no longer weaponise its geographical position.