Trump: Hormuz Strait to Reopen Under US-Iran Joint Control | Iran Conflict Update 2026
Jakarta – U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated progress in discussions with Iranian counterparts, claiming the , that the Strait of Hormuz will soon be reopened and placed under joint U.S.-Iranian control. The announcement follows a period of heightened tensions and threats of military action.
Responding to questions from reporters, Trump stated the vital waterway would be accessible “particularly soon,” contingent on the continued success of negotiations with Iran. “It will be opened very shortly, if the negotiations with Iran continue to go well,” he said.
The shift in tone marks a significant departure from recent rhetoric, where the possibility of military confrontation loomed large. Earlier this month, Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face strikes on its power plants, according to reports. He also reportedly targeted Kharg Island and Hormuz province as potential targets in deeper strikes against Iran. These threats appeared to escalate a crisis triggered by Iranian statements regarding the potential closure of the Strait in response to perceived provocations.
Trump’s latest comments suggest a potential de-escalation, framing the future control of the Strait as a collaborative effort. “It will be jointly controlled,” he stated, extending the arrangement to future Iranian leadership. “By me and the Ayatollah, whoever the Ayatollah is currently, whoever the Ayatollah next is.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most strategically critical chokepoints for global oil supplies. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes through the strait daily, making its security paramount to global energy markets. Any disruption to shipping through the strait could have severe economic consequences worldwide.
Beyond the immediate issue of the Strait, Trump also alluded to a potential shift in the political landscape within Iran. He asserted that a “very serious” change of regime was anticipated, referencing attacks during the early stages of the conflict that reportedly resulted in the deaths of many senior Iranian leaders. “There will automatically be a change of regime,” he claimed.
Trump characterized weekend talks as showing promise for resolving the conflict. “But we are dealing with some people who I think are very reasonable, very solid,” he told reporters. “People on the inside know who they are, they are very respected, and maybe one of them is the right person like we are looking for.”
The context surrounding these developments is rooted in a complex history of geopolitical rivalry between the United States and Iran. The two nations have been at odds for decades, with tensions flaring over Iran’s nuclear program, its regional influence, and its support for proxy groups. The withdrawal of the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2018 further exacerbated these tensions, leading to increased sanctions and a build-up of military forces in the region.
The potential for a joint U.S.-Iranian control arrangement over the Strait of Hormuz, if realized, would represent a significant and unprecedented development. Such an arrangement would require a high degree of trust and cooperation between the two countries, something that has been conspicuously absent for much of the past four decades. It would also likely necessitate a re-evaluation of existing security arrangements in the region, potentially involving other key players such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
The implications of a change in regime in Iran, as suggested by Trump, are equally far-reaching. A new leadership in Tehran could potentially lead to a shift in Iran’s foreign policy, its nuclear ambitions, and its regional posture. However, the manner in which such a change were to occur – particularly if it involved external intervention – could also destabilize the region and trigger further conflict.
The international community will be closely watching the unfolding situation, seeking clarity on the details of the negotiations between the U.S. And Iran, and assessing the potential implications for regional stability and global energy security. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether the current diplomatic momentum can be sustained and whether a lasting resolution to the crisis can be achieved.