WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump asserted Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane, would “automatically open” once the United States withdraws its military presence from the region. The remarks, made during a phone interview with the New York Post, came as tensions remain high following a series of escalating incidents in the Middle East and amid ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. This assertion regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, represents a significant claim about the geopolitical dynamics at play as the U.S. Reconsiders its role in the region.
Trump described a swift and decisive military campaign against Iran, stating, “We’re not going to be there too much longer. We’re obliterating the s— out of them right now, it’s a total obliteration.” He framed a U.S. Exit as a catalyst for a return to normalcy in the region, suggesting that economic interests would compel other nations to ensure the waterway remains open. The former president’s comments echo a pattern of assertive rhetoric regarding Iran, a country he has consistently criticized for its regional policies and nuclear ambitions.
The statement appears to sidestep a recent report in the Wall Street Journal indicating that Trump had considered ending the current conflict without guaranteeing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. When pressed on this point, Trump reiterated his belief that the waterway’s accessibility is directly tied to U.S. Involvement. “I don’t think about it, to be honest,” he told the Post. “My sole function was to make sure that they don’t have a nuclear weapon. They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon. When we leave the strait will automatically open.”
Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Oman’s Musandam governance, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026.
Reuters
The Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most strategically important chokepoints, responsible for approximately 20% of global oil supply, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Disruptions to shipping through the Strait, whether due to military conflict, political instability, or deliberate obstruction, could have significant consequences for global energy markets and the world economy.
Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait in response to sanctions or military action against it. While Iran does not have the capability to completely block the waterway for an extended period, it could disrupt traffic through asymmetric tactics, such as deploying naval mines or fast attack craft. The U.S. Navy maintains a significant presence in the region, primarily to ensure freedom of navigation and deter Iranian aggression.
Escalating Tensions and Recent Threats
Trump’s comments follow a recent escalation in tensions between the U.S. And Iran, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional dynamics. On Monday, Trump threatened to bomb Iranian power plants, oil wells and desalination facilities if the Strait of Hormuz was not immediately reopened, a statement he made via social media. Reuters reported on these threats, highlighting the increasingly bellicose rhetoric from the former president.
These threats are particularly concerning given the potential for miscalculation and unintended consequences. Experts warn that a military confrontation in the Persian Gulf could quickly escalate, drawing in other regional actors and potentially leading to a wider conflict. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of non-state actors, such as Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have launched attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Nuclear Question and U.S. Policy
Trump consistently emphasized his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon as the primary driver of his policies toward the country. He withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. The U.S. State Department maintains a comprehensive overview of current policy toward Iran.
The JCPOA, negotiated in 2015, limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Still, following the U.S. Withdrawal, Iran gradually rolled back its commitments under the agreement. Negotiations to revive the JCPOA have stalled, and the future of the agreement remains uncertain. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities and has expressed concerns about its compliance with safeguards agreements.
What’s Next?
The immediate future remains uncertain. While Trump’s assertions suggest a belief in a swift resolution and an automatic reopening of the Strait of Hormuz upon U.S. Withdrawal, the reality on the ground is far more complex. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent a wider conflict are ongoing, but their success is far from guaranteed. The next key development to watch will be the response from Iran to the recent threats and the potential for further escalation in the coming days and weeks. The U.S. Department of Defense is expected to provide an updated assessment of the situation in the region later this week.
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