US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, saying no vessel can pass through the key global oil bottleneck without the US Navy’s approval.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump sharply criticized Iran’s leadership, claiming deep internal divisions and confusion within the regime.
“Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!”
He described the ongoing struggle between factions in Iran, arguing that “hardliners” were losing ground while “moderates” were gaining influence.
“The infighting is between the ‘Hardeners’ who are losing BADLY on the battlefield and the ‘Moderates’ who are not moderates at all… it’s INSANE!”
Maritime control claims
Trump went on to assert US dominance over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies.
“We have complete control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the consent of the United States Navy.”
He added that the waterway was effectively closed under US supervision.
“It’s ‘tightly sealed’ until Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!”
The White House demands a “unified response” from Iran.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday (April 22) that the US is awaiting a consolidated position from Iran during the ongoing negotiations.
“There is certainly a good understanding between the White House and our intelligence community. But we want to see a unified response and a unified proposal.”
She noted discrepancies between Iran’s public messaging and private diplomatic signals.
“A lot of that public nonsense is not what we hear from them in private.”
“The battle between pragmatists and hardliners”
Leavitt described internal divisions in Iran as a key factor shaping the current standoff.
“Right now it’s a battle between the pragmatists and the hardliners in Iran, and the president wants a unified response.”
She added that while there is a ceasefire on the military front, the broader tactics of American pressure are still in place.
“There is a ceasefire with military and kinetic strikes, but Operation Economic Fury continues.
Read also | Trump orders Navy to ‘shoot and kill’ ships suspected of laying mines in Strait
The naval blockade and economic pressure continue
The White House has confirmed that US pressure on Iran goes beyond military operations, including a permanent naval blockade and economic measures.
“An effective and successful naval blockade continues, as do ships and vessels moving in and out of Iranian ports.”
Leavitt said no firm deadline had been set for Iran’s response to the next round of talks.
“The president has not set a firm deadline for receiving the Iranian proposal … the timeline will be dictated by the commander in chief.”
Caution about Iranian public news
The White House also urged caution in interpreting statements by Iranian officials and state media.
“You all see a lot of different reports coming out of Iran… I would caution you to take everything they say at face value.
Leavitt emphasized that Iran’s public statements often differ from its private negotiating position.
“What they say publicly is very different from what they admit to the United States and our negotiating team in private.”
Trump’s remarks and the White House’s comments come at a time of escalating tensions in the region, including naval confrontations, seizure of vessels and disruption of shipping flows.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, and any attempt to restrict access could have far-reaching consequences for global trade, oil markets and geopolitical stability.
Read also | Iran slams US for ‘hypocrisy’ as Trump extends truce
