Ex-diplomat: ‘No one’s in total control of the Strait of Hormuz’

Strait of Hormuz: Diplomatic Expert Challenges Trump’s “Total Control” Claim

Provpnadvice.com – A prominent American diplomat has publicly questioned President Donald Trump’s assertion that Washington maintains complete authority over one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Richard Haass, a seasoned foreign policy figure and former special envoy for Northern Ireland during the George W. Bush administration, offered a measured counterpoint to the president’s bold declaration on Wednesday.

Speaking on MS NOW’s program “Morning Joe” alongside host Willie Geist, Haass articulated a nuanced perspective on maritime power dynamics. “No one’s in total control of the Strait of Hormuz,” he stated clearly, challenging the notion of unilateral American dominance over the vital waterway.

Trump’s Assertive Stance on Maritime Authority

The diplomatic pushback came shortly after President Trump made sweeping claims about American control during a press briefing at Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday. With the U.S. military engagement with Iran approaching its six-month milestone, the president expressed confidence in Washington’s position.

“We have total control over the Hormuz strait right now, they don’t have control,” Trump told assembled reporters. “We have total control, we own it and at some point, maybe they’ll do something and then they get blown away.”

Trump’s comments reflected a hardening American posture toward Tehran, emphasizing both military capability and strategic positioning in the Persian Gulf region.

Haass’s Practical Assessment of Maritime Control

The former Bush administration envoy provided a more grounded analysis of what control actually means in practice. Haass distinguished between the ability to restrict access versus the capacity to ensure continuous passage through the strait.

“So, we can deny use to the extent we want to Iran,” Haass explained on MS NOW. “Iran can deny use to others; insurers won’t insure cargo ships or tankers. So, denial’s relatively easy.”

He continued by noting the practical difficulties of maintaining open passage: “Guaranteeing use, relatively hard. So that’s where the strait is, [there’s] very little traffic going through, much less than went through before the war… began.”

Escalating Tensions and Naval Blockade

The debate over control coincides with heightened military activity in the region. On Tuesday, American naval forces disabled a Panama-flagged cargo tanker that attempted to navigate through the Gulf of Oman despite an active blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump characterized the American naval presence as a “WALL OF STEEL,” asserting that Tehran possesses limited options to counter the blockade. The president reinforced his position on Truth Social on Wednesday morning, writing: “The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!”

Global Implications and Diplomatic Efforts

The Strait of Hormuz represents a critical artery for international commerce, with nearly 34 percent of global crude oil shipments passing through these waters in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency. Reduced traffic through the strait has significant implications for energy markets worldwide.

Meanwhile, diplomatic channels remain active. Officials from Iran and Oman are engaged in negotiations aimed at reopening the waterway to normal commercial operations. These talks come as both nations seek to stabilize regional trade while political tensions persist.

Competing Demands in the Negotiation Process

The diplomatic landscape has become increasingly complex, with both sides presenting substantial requirements. Iranian officials have outlined four key conditions: the withdrawal of the American naval blockade, financial compensation for war-related damages, the unfreezing of Iranian assets held abroad, and a permanent cessation of hostilities.

President Trump has responded with his own set of demands, articulated on Monday. He called for compensation related to Americans and allies “killed and gravely wounded with their roadside bombs and many conflicts,” as well as restitution for families of protesters killed by Iranian authorities over the past fifty years.

Additionally, Trump asserted that Iran “should be responsible” for damages experienced by populations in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza during the ongoing conflict. These overlapping demands create a challenging framework for reaching a comprehensive agreement.

Looking Ahead

The question of who truly controls the Strait of Hormuz extends beyond military presence to encompass economic, diplomatic, and practical dimensions. While American naval forces maintain a visible presence, the ability to guarantee continuous passage remains complicated by insurance concerns, regional actors, and the broader geopolitical context.

As negotiations between Iran and Oman continue, the international community watches closely. The outcome will shape not only regional stability but also global energy security for years to come.