President Donald Trump has emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, stating that it would be an “honor” to ensure the passage remains unobstructed for the benefit of other nations heavily dependent on this crucial maritime route in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters in Florida on Monday, Trump addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic energy artery that has recently been caught in the crossfire due to escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
At the heart of the matter lies the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman, spanning just 21 miles at its tightest point. It serves as a conduit for approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily and about one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas, making it a critical target during regional conflicts.
“We’re really assisting countries like China with this effort, as they derive a significant portion of their energy from the Strait,” Trump remarked. “We maintain a positive relationship with China, and it’s truly an honor to undertake this responsibility.”
Meanwhile, the region continues to grapple with instability, as depicted in images from Isfahan, Iran, where mourners recently gathered to pay homage to the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In the context of marine navigation, a snapshot from March 4 showcases the significant maritime activity within the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting its pivotal role in global energy distribution.
Trump is slated to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this month. While touting the United States’ new energy partnership with Venezuela, Trump noted that China gets its oil through the strait.
“I mean, we’re doing this for the other parts of the world, including countries like China,” he said. “They get a lot of their oil through the straits.”
“We have a very good relationship with President XI (Jinping) and China,” he added. “I’m going there in a short period of time, and we’re protecting the world from what these lunatics are trying to do, and very successfully I might add.”
President Donald Trump greets Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a bilateral meeting at Gimhae Air Base on Oct. 30, 2025, in Busan, South Korea. Trump said he wants to keep the Strait of Hormuz open in the Middle East for countries, including China. ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The U.S. will also waive all oil-related sanctions on some countries in an effort to reduce energy prices amid the conflict in the Middle East, Trump said.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps took to Iranian State TV vowing it would “not allow [the] export of a single liter of oil.”
Later, Trump reaffirmed his position on the strait in a fiery Truth Social post.
“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far. Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again — Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them — But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!,” he wrote.
“This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
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