Trump claims US has total control over strait of Hormuz after Iran seizes two container ships
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
President Trump claims US has total control over the Strait of Hormuz after Iran seized two ships.
How This Affects You
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane, could impact global oil prices and consumer costs for goods.
AI Summary
President Donald Trump asserted that the US has "total control over the strait of Hormuz" and that Iran's leadership is hobbled by infighting. This claim followed Iran's seizure of two container ships by Iranian commandos in the strait. The White House's assertion appears questionable given the seizures and a Pentagon report suggesting mine clearance could take six months. The situation highlights escalating tensions in the critical shipping lane and raises concerns about the reliability of US control in the region.
Source Coverage Map
28 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
Iran flaunts its grip over the Strait of Hormuz with commandos storming cargo ship
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Iran & Middle East Conflict
Tracking the evolving military and diplomatic situation across the Middle East, including US-Iran tensions, Israeli operations, proxy conflicts, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.
Trump's Influence on US Politics and Foreign Policy
Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence on US politics, from taunting foreign leaders and shaping primary elections to making controversial statements on immigration and foreign policy, including his stance on the ongoing Iran conflict.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
GlobalMiddle East : Fragile US-Iran talks hinge on nuclear and Hormuz disputes
US-Iran negotiations show limited progress but remain tense, with disputes over enriched uranium and the Strait of Hormuz still unresolved. Donald Trump warns the conflict could resume if no deal is reached, while mediators say compromises may still be possible on nuclear restrictions.
National SecurityU.S. sailor en route to Strait of Hormuz sidelined by monkey attack
<p>A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to a minesweeping ship that's headed to the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/iran-closes-strait-of-hormuz-once-again-fires-on-tankers" target="_blank">Strait of Hormuz</a> was medically evacuated to his home port after he was scratched by an Asian monkey while ashore in Thailand, officials say.</p><p><strong>Why it matters</strong>: The Navy reports the incident did not delay the USS Chief's mission and that the sailor is OK, but officials say the attack is a reminder that military missions face unexpected troubles and disruptions that are hard to war-game for.</p><hr><ul><li>"Weird stuff happens," one military official said. "This was definitely an unknown unknown."</li></ul><p><strong>Zoom in:</strong> The Chief and the USS Pioneer<em> </em>were dispatched in mid-April from Southeast Asia to hunt and sweep for mines that Iran laid in and around the Strait of Hormuz.</p><ul><li>During a stopover in Phuket, Thailand, a Navy electronics technic...
National SecurityDiving into Trump's claims about "nuclear dust" and what it actually is
Over the past several days, President Trump has made multiple statements on the U.S. goal to seize Iran's "nuclear dust." "The Daily Report" dives into what the president means by "nuclear dust" and how much Iran has. Will Todman, the chief of staff of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department at CSIS, has more analysis.
GlobalTrump's threats against Iran are a boon for prediction markets, including some backed by his son
Traders flocked to Polymarket this month to bet on whether Trump really was going bomb Iran back to the Stone Age or just call a ceasefire.
PoliticsIndiana primary will test Trump’s control over Republican Party after redistricting defiance - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwgFBVV95cUxNVHBnenhucVUyai0zSGpHczV3MEpjeHJTWGVocHBoNGdzMDBYcDJrVkZicGVYVVI3eUM5R3NpV09Rb0hHZjRoS0RrSEszOGx3SWpvYmxzYjllNmszNXpjanRwa2dvVXpQUWg0ajgwcjlOMmlmVHNhMFppRmx5NkRZbTlKbTU3UlhpQUkzSDkwUnVOZ3otNlB4UlBVV3RTeW5mZFF2NEdHMVBlenQ5RVBLZkJaVTJRRVpVSzFJS1J0STY1dw?oc=5" target="_blank">Indiana primary will test Trump’s control over Republican Party after redistricting defiance</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsTrump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup, FT reports - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitwFBVV95cUxQQm45aVJMRGdYRzVjRHdrOE9LNWc1ZnZSTTlSc3l5a1ZHQWMzQjVRX2JWYWRXNUVoanNUZ0lSMk9IT2RvVnBoS2hoMDFXSTBMTl8zcl9RZEMxRWE1SlVhMUh1MWhrT2hjVVZ4ckdVNUpER0lMczRVOWxCdk9oLUhETjZtLVdzSm14cEo0T0lfM3pyV0tmWWVCTWd3YmpPaXpkWEY0bm5oYmkxdHFLNTlOUzhjSnZNeVk?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup, FT reports</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
Investigation into deaths, disappearances of staff at secretive government labs
The FBI is investigating the cases of at least 10 staffers at secret government labs who have either died or disappeared. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Report: Merck’s blockbuster cancer drug topped $200,000 a year under Trump
One in three Americans forced to make financial sacrifices for health coverage
Trump-branded data center project CEO departs
6 crew still missing after overturned ship that disappeared after typhoon is found near Saipan - AP News
US Live Nation and Ticketmaster verdict triggers calls for Australian investigation into ticketing rules
