Trump Declares US Taking Control of Strait of Hormuz After Iran Violates Deal

US President Donald Trump announced during a NATO summit interview on July 8, 2026, that the United States is taking control of the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's breach of a prior agreement. Speaking to Fox News, Trump stated that the US had a deal with Iran, which they broke, and emphasized the need to establish an entity designated as the guardian of the strait, for which the US would receive payment. He described the Iranian actors as "a group of bad people."

This declaration follows Trump's earlier remarks to NBC, where he claimed that Iran was initially willing to abandon its nuclear ambitions under a perfect deal, but then abruptly withdrew and launched a drone attack on a ship within an hour. The announcement comes amid extensive US Central Command airstrikes in southern Iran overnight, responding to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz until further notice and until US intervention in the region ceases.

Additionally, Bahrain experienced air raid sirens for the third time within 24 hours, indicating heightened regional tensions. Trump's statements and military actions underscore escalating confrontations between the US and Iran over control and security of this critical maritime passageway.