Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:39pm on 12 Aug 2026,Wednesday International
US President Donald Trump claimed Washington has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with Iran amid a prolonged standoff over the strategic waterway. Trump said the US naval blockade was being called a “Wall of Steel” and claimed Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened. The Strait carries roughly a fifth of global oil trade, making disruptions a major threat to energy markets, shipping insurance and economic stability. The latest escalation follows weeks of military confrontation involving Iran, Israel and US forces, alongside Tehran’s warnings over maritime traffic. Meanwhile, Washington and Tehran continue indirect talks on easing the crisis. Major disagreements remain over sanctions, security guarantees, compensation for wartime damage and the sequencing of de-escalation measures.
