POLITICS

Trump Declares US Navy Controls Strait of Hormuz, Demands Iran Pay Compensation

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President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday that the United States Navy has swept the entire Strait of Hormuz for mines and holds "100 percent" control over the strategic waterway. "It's open now. Look, the only one that has control of the Strait of Hormuz right now is the United States Navy," Trump said. He described the U.S. naval blockade as "infallible" and a "steel wall" that only targets ships traveling to and from Iran. Trump acknowledged that Iran can "make trouble" in the strait but argued that Tehran is "broke" with 300 percent inflation and unable to pay its soldiers. "We have a blockade that's been infallible. It's a steel wall," he said. The president also claimed the U.S. Navy swept the entire strait for mines, adding that Iran "will, on occasion, drop a mine, and we find the mines". The president's remarks came as Iran has reportedly said the strait would remain closed until Washington meets its demands, including war reparations and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Iran is also nearing a final pact with Oman to establish new shipping lanes through the strait, but has reiterated that the U.S. must meet conditions including compensation, an end to sanctions, and a halt to military threats before reopening the waterway. Trump also demanded that Iran pay compensation for deaths and injuries caused by its actions over the past 50 years. "They asked for reparations, they asked for money for the damage that we've done. And I said, that's a good idea. Well, we're to ask for money for the damage they've done over a 50-year period," Trump told reporters. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that he is "likewise demanding compensation from Iran, for all of the people that they have killed and gravely wounded with their roadside bombs and many conflicts". Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Sunday that Tehran will not resume direct negotiations with Washington while the U.S. remains in breach of a June interim agreement. Messages are being exchanged through mediators. Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, said the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until the United States "corrects its behavior," listing conditions including a permanent end to the war, an end to threats, lifting the naval blockade, compensation for war damage, and lifting sanctions. The standoff pushed oil prices higher on Monday. Brent crude settled 4.99 percent higher at $87.72 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 5.05 percent to $82.13. Hopes for an agreement had driven both benchmarks down more than 7 percent last week. About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the waterway before the conflict began in February. U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve holdings fell by about 6.1 million barrels last week to 298.7 million barrels, their lowest level since 1983. Trump earlier this month canceled a planned trip to Pakistan by his special envoy and son-in-law for negotiations with Iran. The U.S. and Iran failed to reach a deal during 21 hours of face-to-face talks in Pakistan on Sunday, leaving a fragile week-long ceasefire in doubt. Trump has described the latest talks as Iran's final chance before possible "decapitation" and issued a cryptic warning when asked what would follow: "You'll find out". He did not confirm whether an operation had been authorized or explain whether Washington's next move would involve military action, sanctions, or diplomacy.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

· On February 28, 2026, U.S.-Israeli strikes launched "major combat operations" against Iran.
· On February 28, 2026, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrike.
· On October 12, 2000, USS Cole bombing killed 17 U.S. sailors in Yemen.
· On June 2026, U.S. and Iran signed interim Memorandum of Understanding.
· On August 9, 2026, Iran's Guards said Hormuz stays closed unless U.S. meets demands.
· On August 9, 2026, Foreign Minister Araqchi ruled out direct talks with Washington.
· On August 9, 2026, Iran and Oman reached final stage of new shipping route agreement.
· On August 10, 2026, Trump demanded Iran pay compensation for past deaths and injuries.
· On August 10, 2026, Iran's Supreme Leader reshuffled six senior military commanders.
· On August 10, 2026, Houthi rebels attacked Yemen's port city Mocha for second time.
· On August 10, 2026, Trump told Oval Office reporters U.S. Navy controls Hormuz "100%."
· On August 10, 2026, Trump claimed U.S. has "mine-swept the entire" Strait of Hormuz.
· On August 10, 2026, Trump described U.S. blockade as "infallible" and a "steel wall."
· On August 10, 2026, Trump said Iran is "broke" with "300 percent" inflation.
· On August 10, 2026, Trump told ABC News "you'll find out" what's next with Iran.
· On August 10, 2026, Iranian spokesperson said no direct U.S. negotiations are ongoing.
· On August 10, 2026, Iran's president said supreme leader calls for "unity."
· On August 10, 2026, Brent crude settled 4.99% higher at $87.72 a barrel.
· On August 10, 2026, U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 298.7 million barrels.
· On August 10, 2026, Iran's council said Hormuz stays closed until U.S. "corrects behavior."
· Oil prices will likely remain elevated amid prolonged Strait uncertainty.
· Iran may finalize Oman shipping route agreement within days.
· Direct U.S.-Iran negotiations appear unlikely without breakthrough on compensation.
· Military escalation remains possible if diplomatic track fully collapses.
· U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve could face further drawdown pressure.
· Iran's military reshuffle may signal preparation for prolonged confrontation.
· Houthi Red Sea attacks could expand conflict to second shipping chokepoint.
· Global energy markets face sustained volatility from Hormuz closure.
· Trump's compensation demand adds major hurdle to any diplomatic resolution.
· Ceasefire and strait reopening depend on mutual compensation concessions.

News Intelligence

Immediate US Impact: Rising gas prices and strategic reserve depletion threaten American consumers.
Possible Long-term US Impact: Prolonged Hormuz closure could trigger sustained energy inflation and recession.
Most Affected Groups: American drivers, energy investors, military families, and Gulf Coast refiners.
Reader Priority: Track oil prices, SPR levels, and official U.S.-Iran statements hourly.