President Donald Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the 'Strait of Trump' during a speech at the Future Investment Initiative Priority investment forum in Miami on Friday. The remark came as he discussed negotiations with Iran over the reopening of the vital waterway, which Tehran has blocked amid ongoing conflict with the U.S.
'We're negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up. They have to open up the Strait of Trump — I mean Hormuz,' Trump said, prompting laughter from the audience. He later clarified, 'Excuse me, I'm so sorry, such a terrible mistake. The Fake News will say, "He accidentally said" — no, there’s no accidents with me, not too many.'
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical oil-shipping route, normally transporting 20 million barrels of oil per day. Iran's blockade has disrupted global energy supply and prices. Trump also claimed Iran is 'on the run' and that Tehran's leadership, navy, air force, and nuclear program have suffered significant damage. He reiterated that talks are underway to negotiate an end to the monthlong conflict.
During a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump said it was 'an option' to take control of Iran's oil, similar to the U.S. approach with Venezuela.